6 New Lesson Plans!

Sharon Pennock
Sun, 25 May 2025 20:19:32 +0000

We’ve been adding lessons regularly and are pleased to announce 6 new lessons:

Come Over to My House Lesson Plan - K - 3rd grade

Students will participate in an interactive read-aloud and discussion of the picture book “Come Over to My House” by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin, exploring its representation of disabilities. They will respond to a writing prompt inspired by the book and create artwork to accompany their writing. The lesson concludes with reflective questions and optional follow-up activities to address student inquiries.

Creative Problem Solving with Joshua Miele and Krishna Washburn - 2nd - 4th grade

Students will explore problem-solving by learning how scientist Joshua Miele and ballerina Krishna Washburn overcame challenges. They will then create their own invention - either practical or imaginative - through drawing, writing, or crafting a model. Afterward, they will be paired with a student interviewer who will either conduct a class interview or write a news article about their invention.

Expressive Landscapes: The Art of Mary Duffy - 4th - 6th grade

In this lesson, students will learn about the paintings of Mary Duffy, a multidisciplinary artist from Ireland. Mary paints expressive landscapes, often inspired by the seashores. In this lesson, students will review her paintings, and be invited to create 2 pieces of artwork inspired by different elements of Mary Duffy’s practice. One will be done in the classroom, and a second will be done in nature, with direct observation (this may be assigned as homework, depending on the weather). Students will also be invited to reflect about issues of accessibility related to nature exploration and disabled people.

Mapping the Travels of James Holman - Using a Political Map of the World - 3rd grade

This lesson introduces students to James Holman, a blind world traveler and travel writer. He became the first blind person recognized for traveling around the world solo in 1832. He wrote extensively about his travels. Students will practice using a World Political Map to locate where he traveled. This exercise also demonstrates one way we can use maps to help us as we study history.

Disability Rights as Human Rights: The Role of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) - 7th - 12th grade

Through reading selections of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), students will explore the role of international agreements in shaping national policies. They will engage with key human rights vocabulary, analyze how the CRPD has influenced disability rights worldwide, and explore issues pertaining to US non-ratification. This lesson encourages critical thinking about disability as a civic and human rights issue, emphasizing the responsibilities of governments in upholding equality and justice. Differentiation strategies for middle vs high school students would include using the original vs easy-read version of the text, as well as differentiated discussion questions.

History of Eyeglasses: The Importance of Adaptive Equipment - 9th - 12th grade

In this lesson, students will learn about science, history and geography related to eyeglasses. First, they will consider the history of eyeglasses, their impact on vision impairments, and how they are so widespread in America (and other high-income countries) that wearing them is rarely considered to indicate a vision issue; in fact, they are often fashion statements. Then they will explore how access to glasses differs around the world, specifically considering barriers that prevent access. Finally, they will choose their own adaptive device (a list of ideas is provided, but students are welcome to choose their own), and create an infographic that explains: the important benefits to widespread usage of their chosen device, current barriers, and suggest possible solutions.