A Girl Named Helen Keller

BOOK ENTRY FORMAT FOR GENRE PROJECT


Information for students
Author: Margo Lundell Title: A Girl Named Helen Keller
Book Genre: Biography Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42

Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died




Personal rating: ****

Rationale: unique and colorful illustrations, simple, sign-language alphabet on back cover

Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.8 Interest level: k-2nd

Thematic Areas: blind, deaf, determination, love, family, patience, dedication, adversity

Content Areas: social studies, language arts

Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.
Possible use in classroom: teach students the sign-language alphabet; in a large group, have students build a class list of all of the various adversities that people in the class have had or seen in the lives of others around them; set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and explain that there is to be absolutely no talking from anyone, and one person in each pair is to be blindfolded. Each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After everyone has had a try at the course, come back to the classroom and have students write in journals about how they felt not being able to talk and/or blind, was it hard to communicate, how did having partners help, were they able to work together to reach their goal?; Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on how to help the deaf and blind, women's rights and pacifism (against war and violence). With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.