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Reprinted with the express permission of Girl Power 2 Cure as originally published on their Website.
Activity Ideas
Here are two simple things that have helped set a great tone in class.
First, I read “It’s Not Easy Being Big” (a Sesame Street book). It is all about how Big Bird cannot play many of the games with the other kids because he is so big. Then the book goes on to show how they “adapt” their games to help Big Bird out. Like tying two jump ropes together to make it big enough for him. You can explain how helpers will be coming
up with ways to “adapt” things for your daughter…and that they can come up with ideas too! Throughout the entire school year, those kids will be trying to figure out how to include your daughter.
Second: Play simple game with the kids. Talk about how your daughter can hear and understand, but cannot speak. Ask them each their names…BUT tell them they are not allowed to say them aloud. Remark, “see, you know your name even though you didn’t say it out loud!” They will think that is pretty cool. You can also make/bring in a color board
with six colored squares made from felt/paper (3 on top and 3 on bottom). Talk about eye communication, then have them each tell you their favorite color with their eyes. It is really fun to see them get excited when you know their answer just by looking at where they looked.
These ideas are simple, yet incredibly powerful. Good luck!
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