Neelix the Talaxian from "Star Trek: Voyager" is beloved by some, and disliked by others, though how you can dislike such a cheerful character is beyond comprehension. Aside from that, just knowing what went into the makeup job on Ethan Phillips should be enough to make you love him all the more. "Star Trek: Voyager" was the fifth series in the franchise, and ran from 1995-2001 on UPN. It featured the first female commanding officer in a "Star Trek" series, Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), who steered the crew as they tried to find their way home from the Delta Quadrant where they were stranded. Neelix, a Delta Quadrant native, joined the crew as a chef, later becoming a Morale Officer...
“We’re All Wonders” is a picture book version of the popular novel turned movie “Wonder” by R.J Palacio. This book challenges kids to believe in themselves, no matter who they are and what they look like. It’s about accepting differences and understanding that inclusion matters. As Auggie says, “The Earth is big enough for all kinds of people.” Let’s take a look at some activities included in the “We’re All Wonders” Book Companion that are great to pair with this read aloud. STORYMAP The Story map is used to find key elements of the story. I love doing this in the whole group setting on the board as a group. The visuals make this a differentiated activity! After completing the story...
My Brother Charlie is a book by Holly Robinson Peete that explores the world of Autism through Charlies sister. This book definitely speaks to inclusion and is included in the Inclusion Book Companion bundle. I love that this is a sibling point of view and that the main character is the OLDER sibling… not younger. Let’s take a look at some activities included in the My Brother Charlie Book Companion that are great to pair with this read aloud. (You can grab the free book companion here.) STORYMAP The Story map is used to find key elements of the story. I love doing this in the whole group setting on the board as a group. The visuals make this a...
It’s the end of the school year in your special ed classroom and you are physically and mentally EXHAUSTED….am I right? Do you sometimes wonder how ON EARTH you might make it until summer break? The end of the school year is always so busy and exhausting. It was always hard for me to navigate when I was in the classroom. First, it seems like at a certain point during the fourth quarter you can tell when the students are starting to “shut down”. Next, you need fun and engaging activities in which students are still learning. Finally, you have TONS of end of year meetings and paperwork to finish up and just no extra time to plan. There is...
Are you looking for the perfect Earth Day activity? You can easily add any of these seven ideas to your Earth Day lesson plan! 1. Earth Day Read Aloud Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg Read Aloud Walter does not appreciate the beauty of nature, or understand his role in keeping the planet healthy . . . until a fantastic journey shows him the tragic fate that could befall Earth if humans like him are not more careful.” Read Just a Dream to your class during morning meeting, science, or social studies. The main character, Walter, struggles to respect the Earth and does not appreciate its beauty. As a read-aloud, this book presents many opportunities for meaningful classroom discussion....
