Famous Americans and Their Contributions
Session 4: Contributions of Helen Keller

Materials

• Teacher-selected book about Helen Keller
• Picture or poster of Helen Keller
• Sample sheets of Braille
• Copy of Braille alphabet

Instructional Activities

1. Show students a picture or poster of Helen Keller. Ask students what they already know about her.   Write their responses on a KWL chart about Helen Keller. The following Web sites may be helpful:
   •    A collection of graphic organizers to be used in the unit <http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/>  
   •    Graphic Organizers
   <http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm>
   
   
2. Ask students what they would like to learn about Helen Keller, and post their responses under the “What We Want to Know” section of the KWL chart.
   
   
3. Read a teacher-selected book about Helen Keller, and follow with a discussion. Have students use a variety of graphic organizers to arrange information from the book. Follow with another class discussion about Helen Keller. The following Web site may be helpful:
   <http://www.afb.org/braillebug/hkmuseum.asp>
   
   
4. Add information with students to the KWL chart on “What We Learned.” Be sure to include the following:
   •    Helen Keller overcame disabilities.
   •    Helen Keller worked to help others who were blind and/or deaf.
   
   
5. Help students research additional information about Helen Keller using resource materials/Web sites/videos.
   
   
6. Discuss the quote by Helen Keller, “What a strange life I lead—a kind of Cinderella life—half-glitter in crystal shoes, half mice and cinders!” Ask students why they think Helen Keller made this statement.
   
   
7. Introduce sample sheets of Braille for the students to feel, and have them write their names using a Braille alphabet.
   
   
8. Complete the “What We Learned” section of the KWL chart with students.