Renay was working on preparing a presentation for the last two years of her career. Students and their work were a part of the presentation. Unfortunately for us, this presentation is only for the district she is working in, but as far as sharing what happens in any given classroom, it is a wonder sometimes how much can be accomplished by students in a year.
Book List
It surprised Renay a few weeks ago when staff members said, “I do not know any books that highlight children with disabilities.” Renay had to go around and ask, but then, the respondents did not really think it was as important to have the conversation with general education students, let alone students with disabilities.
So, Renay has spent some time. While there are many easily discovered lists, even if your school has a library, there might be some limitations to having the opportunity to share written words.
The following list is not exhaustive. And we received no compensation for mentioning any of these books. Find them at a retailer you trust to purchase from. Some books to consider:
- We Want to Go to School by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Janiene Leffler
- We Move Together By: Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire
- Fighting for Yes: The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann by: Maryann Cocca-Leffler, Vivien Mildenberger
- What is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids by Amanda Morin
- The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finely Mosca and Daniel Rieley
- Say Something! By Peter H. Reynolds
- My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete
- All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel and Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins
- Just Ask! By Sonia Sotomayor
Older readers
- Real by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
- Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
- Roll With It by Jamie Sumner
- Disability Visibility Edited by Alice Wong
For Professional Development
- Inclusion in Action by Nicole Eredics
- Your Students, My Students, Our Students by Lee Ann Jung, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and Julie Kroener
- Building Neurodiverse Schools by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin
- The Inclusion Toolbox by Jennifer A. Kurth and Megan Gross
- Inclusive Education in a Strengths-Based Era by Michael L. Wehmeyer and Jennifer A. Kurth
Having the list to go to at any time is useful because then you already have a resource, and you are not speaking just off the cuff every single time. The world demands more of all of us as professionals. We can contribute easily when we know how to explain why. Any new and current co-worker, student, and family will appreciate the efforts in making visibility not just through support, but the actual representation being shared.
The End of the School Year
It is time to think about the end of the year. For those of you who are about to depart for summer activities, enjoy. For those of you who have a few weeks remaining, find a way to connect with the students through the end of the year.
One of the primary struggles with the end of the year is also the inconsistencies of schedule, even when you are doing your best to be there in and out. There are multiple testing schedules and special events that can happen sometimes seemingly without warning.
Being clear with language, “First work, then [break/activity]” and not changing the ‘deal’ again. No matter what the deal was. That can help put boundaries back in place as you work with students.
How Do You Prepare for Another Year?
It feels odd speaking about a new year while many students are not out of the traditional school year yet. Many folks will be retiring right now but many folks are going to stay. And just as many new positions will have new individuals coming into the team.
Some may have had a challenging year with behavior. Others may not have had the professional support they would have liked all year.
Next year is that promise for everyone, a fresh start after several weeks off. Looking at the potential that can exist for everyone. Reaching out and giving that grace for everyone can help forge all the professional relationships you will need for the upcoming year.
Do you have any comments about this month’s blog? Do you have a question for us? Would you like to have an opportunity to pilot some materials at your campus? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here, and on our website. ParaEducate is a company providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published once a month during the academic school year. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
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