Today, children are dealing with a great deal more of what I
had to deal with when I was a little girl.
Issues, such as drugs, gangs, violence, disabilities, sex, abuse, rape, sexuality,
etc., are plaguing our children, without giving them an outlet of how to
express themselves regarding the matters. When I was growing up, I remember
going outside and playing with my friends and having fun—never to even dream of
the issues at hand which children endure today. On many occasions, I may have had to deal with
constant teasing or bullying due to my weight always being above average, but I
never heard of any of my friends having to deal with the issues listed above. Therefore, I can only imagine that it is very
hard on the spirits of today’s children to deal with such topics. Luckily,
however, we have several authors who are willing enough and even brave enough
to help those who are enduring such matters, and they do so through the use of
books.
A major issue that children face,
and therefore the topic of this blog, is the matter of disabilities—whether children
know of someone with a particular disability or if they actually have a
disability themselves. Having a disability as an adult is a major issue that
calls for concern for those with the disability. Therefore, it’s only imaginable what children
may have to endure from their peers and the world as a whole when they have a
disability too. Disabilities not only
affect children directly and individually, but disabilities also have a great
effect on those around them as well.
A wonderful book which can be used
to help children understand those living with disabilities is a book entitled, Everything, Everything, by
Nicola Yoon. Nicola Yoon’s book captivates
the lonely life of a teenage girl (Madeline) dealing with an immune deficiency,
which causes her to ultimately live a life inside a “bubble” (her home) for
eighteen years. Everything,
Everything also demonstrates Madeline’s willingness and braveness to
step out beyond what others tell her she is incapable of doing. Through many years of feeling hopeless and
alone, she one day befriends a neighbor whose life is filled with problems of
his own. The two learn to use the
strength of each other, despite disabilities and circumstances, in order to overcome
the impossible and to accomplish what many people in their situations may find impractical. Though this novel may well be intended for children
in grades five through eight due to its minute adult content, it truly encompasses
the idea that using inner strength when facing one’s fears enables an
individual to excel in any challenge encountered. The language used throughout the novel is
basic enough for struggling readers to comprehend. Although this novel also includes very few
pictures and graphics, the words are descriptive enough to paint a picture of
what the author is trying to convey in even the most uninventive minds.
Yoon’s novel can definitely be used
as a great model to teach children the importance of respecting and accepting
one’s differences, whether they’re the differences of their own or of someone
else. One great idea would be to use
this novel in a book club with guiding questions that allow students to put
themselves in the place of those who actually experience dealing with a
disability—whether directly or indirectly.
That way, students can gain better insight regarding people with
disabilities. Educators would most
definitely want to address the topic of individuals with disabilities for
several reasons. One major reason
includes the fact that, whether they are identified as having a disability or
not, teachers will always encounter students who have some form of a
disability. Because of this, there may be other challenges that occur within
the classroom as a result, to include low self-esteem, bullying, suicide,
addictions, poor coping skills, etc.
Books like Everything,
Everything help to point out that individual differences, abilities and
disabilities don’t determine who a person is or what he or she can become
unless allowed to do so. This novel
teaches children to appreciate who they are despite of someone’s differences,
and to also respect and accept the differences of others as well. Some other resources which may also help with
this topic can be found below:
Supportive resources
include:
Articles:
Harland, K. (2007). A Will of His Own: Reflections on
Parenting a Child with Autism-Revised Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Hickman, L. A. (2000). Living in my skin: The insider's
view of life with a special needs child. Communication Skill Builders.
McGill, P. Parenting a Child with Special Needs.
Moore, C. (1993). Maximizing Family Participation in the
Team Process.
Websites:
Six Ways to Teach
Your Kids About Disabilities
Teaching Your Child about Peers
with Special Needs
What To Teach Your
Children About Kids With Special Needs
Understanding Kids Who Are Different: Activities for
Teaching About Disabilities
