Your next great Lessn starts here.

Learning About Helen Keller – What does ‘famous’ mean? – Someone many people know for doing great things – Helen Keller was famous – Helen couldn’t see or hear but achieved a lot – She wrote books and helped people – She shared her story to inspire others – Overcoming challenges with bravery – Helen showed us how to face difficulties | This slide introduces first graders to the concept of fame and the remarkable life of Helen Keller. Begin by discussing what it means to be famous, emphasizing that it’s about being known for doing something significant. Explain that Helen Keller, despite being blind and deaf, wrote books and helped many people. Highlight her achievements and the obstacles she overcame, showing that with determination, anyone can make a difference. Use simple language and encourage students to think of ways they can be brave like Helen Keller in their own lives.

Meet Helen Keller – Helen Keller, a famous writer – Born in 1880, faced challenges – Became blind and deaf at 19 months old – Overcame being blind and deaf – Learned to communicate! – Used touch, signs, and Braille to ‘talk’ and ‘listen’ | Helen Keller is an inspiring figure who overcame significant challenges to become a renowned writer and speaker. She was born in 1880 and lost her sight and hearing at a very young age due to an illness. Despite these obstacles, she learned to communicate with the world in her own unique way. She used touch, sign language, and Braille, which is a special way of reading and writing for blind people. Her story teaches us that with determination and the right support, we can overcome any challenge. Encourage the students to think about how they communicate every day and imagine the different ways Helen had to learn to share her thoughts and feelings.

Helen Keller: Overcoming Challenges – Helen never gave up on challenges – Learned to read and write – With her teacher’s help, Helen learned many things – Anne Sullivan was her teacher – Anne helped Helen communicate with the world – Let’s spell Anne’s name together – A-N-N-E S-U-L-L-I-V-A-N, can you spell it with me? | This slide is meant to inspire students with the story of Helen Keller’s perseverance and achievements despite her challenges. Emphasize Helen’s determination and the crucial role her teacher, Anne Sullivan, played in her education. Engage the class in an interactive spelling activity to help them remember Anne Sullivan’s name and reinforce the lesson. Encourage the students to think about how they can overcome their own challenges and the importance of asking for help when needed. Share with them that Helen Keller became a famous author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, showing that with support and determination, they too can achieve great things.

Helen Keller’s Amazing Achievements – Helen Keller, an author – She wrote books about her life. – Helen’s speeches for change – Spoke to make life better for people with disabilities. – Helen’s lesson of perseverance – Taught us to keep trying, no matter what. – Inspiring others worldwide | Helen Keller was not only a writer but also an activist who used her voice to make a difference. She authored several books, giving us insight into her world and encouraging people with disabilities. Her speeches were powerful and aimed at improving the lives of others facing similar challenges. One of the most important lessons she taught us is that with determination and effort, we can overcome obstacles. Her life continues to inspire people all around the globe to strive for their goals and to help others. Encourage the students to think of ways they can try hard in their own lives and to discuss how Helen Keller’s story makes them feel.

Learning from Helen Keller – Helen Keller’s kindness – She was always helping others. – Overcoming challenges like Helen – Helen learned to read and talk. – Think of personal challenges – Sharing our success stories – We’ll tell our stories in class! | This slide aims to inspire students by discussing Helen Keller’s life and her ability to overcome challenges. Emphasize Helen’s kindness and her determination to learn despite her disabilities. Encourage students to think of their own challenges and how they’ve worked to overcome them, whether it’s learning to tie their shoes or making a new friend. This will help them relate to Helen Keller’s story and understand that they, too, can overcome obstacles. Prepare to facilitate a discussion in the next class where students can share their experiences and celebrate their successes.

Class Activity: Be Like Helen – Understand how Helen learned – Pair up for a guided walk – Work with a partner, take turns – One blindfolded, one guide – Experience the room without sight – Appreciate senses, trust friends – Learn the value of sight and friendship | This activity is designed to give students a glimpse into Helen Keller’s world and the challenges she faced. By working in pairs, students will learn the importance of communication and trust when one of their senses is unavailable. The blindfolded student will rely on their partner to navigate the room, simulating Helen’s reliance on her teacher, Anne Sullivan. This exercise will foster empathy and a deeper understanding of how Helen learned to interact with her environment. Ensure safety by clearing the room of obstacles and closely supervising the activity. Discuss the experience afterward, focusing on what it felt like to rely on someone else and how it helped them appreciate their senses.