Lesson Plan Template

School Counselor: Michelle Hayward Date: March, 2017

Activity: Disability Awareness Lesson
Grade: 2nd & 3rd Grade (Adaptations Made for 3rd Grade)

Learning Objective(s) (aligns with Competency):

For students to understand strengths in individuals who have disabilities
For students to have increased empathy for others who may be different than them

Materials:
Blind basket: directions, bandanas (6), braille templates
Dyslexia basket: directions, dyslexia worksheet, pens, discard basket for used handouts
Cerebral Palsy basket: directions, socks (6 pairs), scissors (5-6), shapes worksheets + extra,
discard basket for cut papers and shapes
Deaf basket: directions, ASL alphabet (6)
Down Syndrome basket: directions, My Friend Isabelle (2 copies), popsicle stick questions
Puzzle Piece Worksheets for 3rd grade
Timer
Maraca

Procedure:
1. Ask the class
a. What some of their strengths are? Weaknesses?
b. Who knows what a disability is? (A body part doesnt work the same way as yours that
creates unique challenges)
c. Give definition of disability
d. Who knows a type of disability? (Common responses blind, deaf, wheelchair bound)
2. Explain the activity and the expectations (all centers will have materials returned to their bin
before the class can move to their next center; table groups move together; voice level; read
directions first)
3. Pass out the centers to each table (baskets are numbered, but dont necessarily need to follow
this). Name the centers as theyre being placed and ask students to raise their hand if theyve
heard of the disability.
a. Blind (Bandanas and braille templates)
i. Students cover their eyes with the bandanas and try to figure out the braille
templates and the bowls of other
ii. Give students notice of hallway through the time so they can switch partners
b. Dyslexia (Handout, discard bin for used handouts)
i. Students try to read the handout and will write down what they think it says
c. Cerebral Palsy (Socks, paper, scissors, discard bin for used paper)
i. Students will put socks over their hands and try to tie their shoes or cut the
shapes on the paper)
d. Deaf (signing handout)
i. Students will use the handout to learn to sign their names
e. Down Syndrome (books, popsicle stick questions)
i. Students will partner read the book and then discuss the questions on the
popsicle sticks
4. 2nd & 3rd Grade Process activity through class discussion
5. 3rd Grade - Pass out Puzzle Piece worksheet. Ask students to write down one way to be kind on
the puzzle piece and color it. Explain that we all have strengths that fit us all together. 5-10
Minutes
a. What were some challenges you experienced? Strengths you found?
b. How can you be kind to others who might have challenges we dont have?
c. How can we include those with disabilities? (Ex., inviting them to play, saying hi
instead of staring, asking to learn a new skill from someone with a disability)