This post includes a material list and summary of a DonorsChoose project I I had funded in 2019. First, read about my goals for the project, which had a fundraising match thanks to the Carol Kupers Whalen Fund. Then check out the materials, along with links and product summaries. Note that fortunately, this is not an exhaustive list of books that include characters with disabilities - more are being published every day and some just weren't available to ship at the time of the project.
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My Project
Students will learn more about attention deficit and its impact on learning. They will be able to read books about characters with ADD and ADHD as well as ways these characters learned to be successful. Executive functioning skills such as organization and meeting deadlines will be learned in a kid-friendly, natural way for all students since they are important for all people. Books like Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary 'Executive Skills' Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential and The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD will provide opportunities for practice and growth for both the teacher and students. Finally, wobble cushions will help students get sensory stimulation and to improve concentration while they are required to be sitting.
This project will help them become more accepting of students who have these challenges, and even help students identify some of these traits in themselves so that they can overcome obstacles in their own learning journeys.
Students will learn to focus on the positive elements of ADD and ADHD so that self-esteem and acceptance will be increased.
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This one's for the adults to read, but with resources to photocopy or use as a workbook. It's one of the most usable resources out there for teacher and parents. According to Amazon, "There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks like finishing homework, putting away toys, or following instructions at school. Your “smart but scattered” child might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger. Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have great news: there’s a lot you can do to help."
Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible
Having a pet dragon is very fun. You can teach your dragon to sit, stand, roll over, and you can even potty train him... But what if your dragon is not responsible? What if he always says "It's Not My Fault!", and puts the blame on others for his mistakes? What do you do? You teach him that mistakes are not bad, as long as he learns from it. You teach him to own his mistake, learn from them, and take responsibility.
Having a pet dragon is very fun. You can teach your dragon to sit, stand, roll over, and you can even potty train him... But what if your dragon is worried about so many things? He worries about the past, and about the future.... What do you do? You teach him about mindfulness - You teach him to be mindful!
Learning to Feel Good and Stay Cool
Everybody likes to feel good but it's normal to be sad, angry, or frustrated when things don't go the way you want them to. Many kids with AD/HD have really strong feelings that make it hard for them to control their behavior. While others may think they are "over-reacting," children with AD/HD are often less self-observant and more reactive, meaning it is harder for them to understand and control their feelings.
Learning to Feel Good and Stay Cool offers practical tools to help kids with AD/HD manage and reduce unwanted feelings and to develop daily habits that can help them feel good and function well. Illustrated with cartoons that will hold children's interest, the book is divided into sections that can be read in smaller portions. Also includes a note and resources for parents.
Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)
The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses is meant to demonstrate various forms of learning, creativity, and intelligence. Each book introduces a realistic example of triumph over difficulty in a positive, humorous way that readers of all ages will enjoy! David gets scolded a lot by his teacher, Mrs. Gorski, for not paying attention in class. He wants to pay attention but it is just so hard when an exciting idea pops into his head. And he usually can't tell that he's making a mistake until after he makes them. But after a particularly big mistake, David comes up with his own plan to tone down his wiggle fidgets.
Learning To Slow Down & Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About ADHD
This third edition of reflects changes in understanding of ADHD and in our approach to its treatment.. While the majority of what's written about ADHD emphasizes behaviors that bother adults, this book emphasises those aspects of ADHD that are troublesome to the children, trying to look at the world more from their point of view.
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD
What are ADHD? What does it mean to have ADHD? How can kids diagnosed with ADHD help themselves succeed in school, get along better at home, and form healthy, enjoyable relationships with peers? In kid-friendly language and a format that welcomes reluctant and easily distracted readers, this book helps kids know they’re not alone and offers practical strategies for taking care of oneself, modifying behavior, enjoying school, having fun, and dealing with doctors, counselors, and medication. Includes real-life scenarios, quizzes, and a special message for parents.
Ten-year-old Haris is convinced he’ll never be able to ride his bike straight. But when he dreams of a wise woman telling him about gifts that will help him, he feels certain this is the answer to his problem. And when he and his pals go exploring in the woods, they find three doors suspended in the trees that lead to magical lands. Eager to explore them, Haris and his friends go through one at a time. And each realm grants them knowledge of so much more than how to balance a bicycle… Will Haris and the boys emerge stronger and smarter than before? Now I Know How! is a unique book aimed at helping kids eight to twelve find their own way of turning negatives into positives. Using a specially developed dyslexia-friendly font to reduce reading challenges, young readers will also improve their comprehension while discovering the lifelong power of positivity.
Trideer Inflated Stability Wobble Cushion with Pump (3)
Want to learn more about ADD and ADHD? Check this out.
Read my other posts on diversity, disabilities, and books.
Are you considering joining DonorsChoose? I have had 18 completed Donors Choose projects successfully. Read this post for tips I've learned along the way.
Want to support other classes with their diversity or book projects? See DonorsChoose.
