Citizenship in the Inclusive Classroom (MCLB #6)

Warm welcome to my classroom, MELODY DRAPER!!

Talents include...

-MATH WIZARD

-TECHNOLOGICALLY INCLINED 

-FASHIONISTA 

-ENTHUSIASTIC LEARNER

-EAGER FOR FRIENDSHIP

-INCLINED TO CRACK JOKES

Draper (2010)

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MULTIMODALITY does not only make learning engaging, but also it makes learning inclusive! 

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Universal Design for Learning allows teachers to change the environment rather than changing the student. Melody needs a unique environment to learn in, which includes wheelchair adaptability, the presence of technology, and most importantly PATIENCE. ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE POSSIBLE IN ANY CLASSROOM! 

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In my previous experience working with children like Melody, it is important to recognize that these children are extremely capable if their environment is suited correctly for their needs. I worked at Perkins School For the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts where classrooms and hallways were wheelchair accessible, technology was present, staff was trained, adaptable equipment was readily available, and the interdisciplinary team was cooperative, creative, and always willing to come up with new ideas. This type of welcoming, patient environment is a place where Melody would THRIVE! 

How Can We incorporate Out of My Mind in the classroom?

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Possible Activities

Pre-Reading: Discussion of cerebral palsy to familiarize students with the disability that the main character in the book has. Discussion of respect: explain it, examine it, exhibit it using personal experience. 

During Reading: Compare and Contrast List of how technology changed the main character.

After Reading: Children can write a short story/act out a skit using their knowledge from the book about how they would feel if they were in Melody's shoes as as student. 

Things we can learn from this book:

• Outward appearances should not have an impact on our view of other’s capabilities.

• We can be friends with all types of people.

• We should not prejudge others. 

• Bullying of any kind is not acceptable.

• Standing by and doing nothing is just as bad as being the bully.

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How can we use Kliewer's framework for inclusive literacy to teach Melody and other students historically marginalized in literacy education?

Reading and writing are not the only things that constitute being a literate citizen. For example... 

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Triadic Literate Profile: "Literate citizenship within the community is a dynamic manifestation of a child's literate profile that interactively includes..."

1. The visual, orthographic, and tactile symbol and sign systems within which narratives are caught, fixed, and interpreted, or conveyed.

2. The narratives created by children through which meaning is constructed.

3. A child's symbolic presence (Kliewer, 2008).

Melody is unable to write on her own or speak out loud but  she uses symbols, and technology to convey herself as  her own unique literate citizen.  Everyone defines "literate citizen" in their own way!

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