Struggling with a Physical Disability

Physical disabilities are common among society and the eyes of children are innocent and they don't typically see any differences among others. It is society and parents that rob them of their innocence by teaching them to judge others and their differences. The two books that I read are Lemon the Duck by Laura Backman and My Friend Suhana by Shaila Abdullah. Both books are great examples of how we should love, help, and treat others as equals and are based on real life stories. Lemon the Duck couldn't walk but that didn't stop a classroom of students trying to find any way possible to make sure that Lemon could walk and lead as much of a normal like as possible. One day a little girl brought in a vest with holes in it shaped like a purse. Lemon put his legs in the purse vest so he could stand up while someone held Lemon up with purse strings. Lemon felt the love from all students and was so grateful for their help. My Friend Suhana is a wonder story about a little girl with cerebral palsy who is visited another little girl Aanyah at the community center. Suhana couldn't talk, stand, or communicate through language. The book focuses on what Suhana can do and not what she can't do. Suhana can wave arms/legs, roll around, clench her fists, and squeal with delight. Suhana abilities attracted a new friendship in Aanyah. These two girls had a friendship and a language of love between each other through the littlest things like just being there for them. 

General education classrooms may have students who have physical disabilities. The portrayal of characters in children's literature can be a very powerful influence and it is the responsibility of the teacher to find and establish a curriculum of books that will benefit all students in the classroom (Wilkins, Howe, Seiloff, Rowan, & Lilly, 2016). Many teachers may question when do we begin focusing on specific topics? Keifer and Tyson suggest that reading books as a resource for educating and talking about the tough issues in life can happen at any time. One study found that children's literature had a positive effect on children in kindergarten class by reading, discussing, and being around children with disabilities (Favazza & Odom, 1997). Teachers and parents cannot be afraid of introducing bigger book themes to younger children as they are sponges and desire to learn. Children's literature will not be acceptable if teachers are not prepared to have an open discussion with the students about the characters of the book. Teachers are in the position to influence the attitude and behavior of the students so it is important to encourage the students to share their views and then explain to the students if their view are appropriate or not (Wilkins, Howe, Seiloff, Rowan, & Lilly, 2016). Remember if you are not familiar with a topic, do your research and make sure you can answer and direct a positive classroom discussion for the students and talk about how they can help those who struggle to help themselves. 

ful influence on young children. Teachers have a responsibility to

expose children to characters of all types, including those with disabil-

References:

Kiefer, B. Z. & Tyson, C. A. (2014). Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature A Brief Guide (2nd ed.). New York City, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Favazza, P. C., & Odom, S. (1997). Promoting positive attitudes of kindergarten aged children toward peole with disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children, 405-418.

Wilkins, J., Howe, K., Seiloff, M., Rowan, S., & Lilly, E. (2016). Exploring elementary students' perception of disabilities using children's literature. British Journal of Special Education, 233-249.