5/31/01
Question 110
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
We are looking for information on how to
present a unit on Disabilities to a preschool class. Any
Activities or ideas?
Disabilities Unit
Dear
Disabilities Unit,
I haven't done much on this subject
lately but I think that I would try to start with how people are the
same and different. Such as: we all have two eyes, etc. but we
have different color eyes, different color hair, etc. See how
that is received and then maybe go from there. I hope that this
helps.
Good Luck!
Lynn
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Disabilities Unit,
This seems like a good idea. If
there was a way to borrow items that are child sized it would be good
for the children to be able to try them out. It may just seem
like a fun game at first, but try to get them to realize it is more
challenging to get around with disabilities but these persons are
people just like everyone else! They are children, mothers,
fathers, grandparents, working people, friends -- just all kinds!
How would they want to be treated if they were in a wheelchair?
Does sitting in a wheelchair make them less smart? Of course
not! Try to help them see people as people.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Disabilities Unit,
In September of this year we had an Occupational Therapist visit
our school to talk with our students about disabilities. She was
wonderful! She began her presentation with a Little
Critter A Very Special Critter by Mercer Meyer. A story about a
Little Critter who starts school and is in a wheelchair.
The students then discussed how they were the same
and then how they were different. She also had dolls to show the
children. One was on a walker, another had a cane, another was in a
wheelchair and the last doll had braces on her legs and canes. The
children were given an opportunity to play with
the dolls. Afterwards she stressed the importance of always saying hi
to the students when we saw them in the hallways. Now my students
always want to visit or Multi-Exceptionalities class to say
"HI".
Perhaps you could contact a local
Therapy center for children they may have a program for you or an
educator who visits schools.
Tara
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
