Booktalk

This video highlights a range of books which can be used as resource for teachers to teach children about the range of disabilities. The teacher can demonstrate in classroom by reading the books out loud to students in a circle. The books are designed for primary aged student from Kindergarten to year 4.A description of some books discussed in video are listed below:

// 1) ////My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woolson// Lovely book for young children that presents acceptance of differences through friendship of children.

2//)Since We're Friends by Celester Shally// An Autism Picture Book about a little boy's who befriends Matt, an autistic child. The idea of this book is loud and clear, which says that children who have a handicap shouldn't be treated so differently than other kids.

//3)Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas// It is a picture book that at the same time, helps other kids understand those children that have problems unlike themselves. The book even talks about how some kids have wheelchairs because of their problems.

//4)Cory Stories: A kid's Book about Living with ADHD by Jenne Kraus// Cory describes what it’s like to have ADHD: how it affects his relationships with friends and family, his school performance, and his overall functioning. He also describes many ways of coping with ADHD: medication, therapy/counseling, and practical tips for school, home, and friendships.

5) //I am Utterly Unique Celebrating the Stengths of Children with Asperger Syndrom and High-Functioning Autism by Elaine Marie Larson// This book, laid out in an A-to-Z format, celebrates the extraordinary gifts and unique perspectives that ASD children possess. Each page of this playful alphabet book presents one of the children’s many talents and abilities. The kid-friendly illustrations and clever text create a positive portrayal of children with ASD. Designed to help the children with ASD grow in self-awareness of their many capabilities, I Am Utterly Unique also encourages dialogue with siblings, friends, parents and teachers.

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 * Reference**

Another good book, found in Google Books, is called //The Making of the Inclusive School// by Gary Thomas, David Walker and Julie Webb. It was first published in 1998 but the latest edition was published in 2001. It emphasises the importance of inclusion in society and institutions, particularly schools, no matter what a person's ability or background is. Of course this is easier said than done, but this book aims to provide evidence as to how inclusion has been researched and practiced so far, particularly in light of a specific inclusion project and it's findings involving several schools and their experiences with aiming to practice inclusion. This book is a relevant and helpful tool for teachers to use when aiming for inclusive practices in their classrooms, with such chapters as Using Support in Inclusive Classrooms, Curricular Inclusion, Supportive Classroom Environments for Social Inclusion, Inclusion and the Physical Environment of the School and Self-Advocacy and Inclusion.

Found in Google Books at: http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=qJ713tPLO6QC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=physically,+socially+and+academically+inclusive+environment+in+school&ots=Se6PGFuTkJ&sig=BkzzvQPzGjwUWcHWewzkyyJ_Ytw#v=onepage&q&f=false


 * "LOOK AT ME CLOSE UP" - John Carr**



This picture book is a great way to emphasise that we are all human. It's a way to show students that we are all different, and yet, we're all the same. For younger children who may find it difficult to understand differences between peers who have a disability, this picture book is useful to remind them that we are all the same and thus are all equal within society. Accompanying this book is an audio CD, the package comes with the CD and 6 books. One idea is to divide the students into small groups and play the CD, allowing groups to work together to figure out the answer, for example;

One page has a blown up picture of a child's eye, the written text (or audio) says "Do you know what this is close-up? Here's a clue. It's on my face." Students are now given time to evaluate what the picture is, each group works together to come up with an answer, they then share the answer with the class before listening to/reading the answer.

This activity encourages socialisation and co-operation between all students.