Tuesday Reading: I Can Be A Friend!

This year, my class includes the precious challenge of a handicapped student. He is mainstreamed for the duration of the school day, but spends a great deal of that time engaging in activities different from what the rest of the class is doing. We have done several lessons on different learners having different needs. This lesson, however, focuses on how we are all alike.

The book My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson tells the story of Charlie and Isabelle. Isabelle is a child with Down Syndrome. Although Charlie doesn't have Down Syndrome, they are the best of friends and do many fun things together. The story is told from Charlie's perspective. He explains how he and Isabelle are alike and different and tells about their favorite things to do together.

After reading this story, we brainstormed about who likes being treated with kindness. We then created an anchor chart listing ideas of ways to be kind to others. Here's what my kiddos came up with:

I'm pretty proud of their ideas, especially for it being so early in the school year.

My Friend Isabelle is a precious book--I would recommend it for any early elementary classroom. Check it out! And as always, keep it class-y, ya'll!



This lesson relates to:
CCSS ELA-Literacy RL.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

CCSS ELA-Literacy SL.K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.