Teach your class about the ways they can befriend and understand people who are different from them with a reading comprehension lesson. As youngsters read Taking Down Syndrome to School by Jenna Glatzer, they answer a series of discussion questions about Nick, the main character, and the way he is treated. Next, they complete activities and create summaries of the story to demonstrate understanding.

Concepts

down syndrome, disabilities, bullying, kindness, empathy, reading comprehension, accepting others, friendship

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Use in a unit or school-wide focus about acceptance and diversity
• Have pupils discuss what they already know about Down syndrome or other people with disabilities

Classroom Considerations

• Due to the subject matter of the lesson, be sure class members understand that they should discuss the story with sensitivity
• Lesson references a Down syndrome quiz that may or may not be available in the books you find for your class

Pros

• Promotes acceptance and empathy with younger learners
• Provides links to several resources, such as the Museum of disABILITY and the National Down Syndrome Society

Cons

• Graphic organizers for the closure section are not available; consider making your own

Common Core

RL.K.1 RL.K.3 RL.1.1 RL.1.3 RL.2.1 RL.2.3 RL.3.1 RL.3.3