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 Read Part I

Building Wings
Calling All Students to Self-Advocacy
by Jerry Stemach and Carol Seibert
Part II: The Lesson

Building Wings: Tools that Guide Students Toward Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy Tools Image1. Go to the Reader's Theater web page and download the Building Wings Self-Advocacy Implementation Toolkit:
  •  
    • Overview
    • Reader’s Theater
    • Compare/Contrast
    • Visualization
    • Visualization Student Examples

2. Select the tool(s) that match the needs and abilities of the students in your self-advocacy program.
3. Make copies as needed

NOTE: Tools are listed below in order from simplest to most challenging. Provide auditory supports and/or expressive options (i.e. writing OR drawing thoughts and ideas on Compare/Contrast) as needed to make ALL of these activities accessible to a wide range of learners.

Self-Advocacy Toolkit Chart of Tools
 View a larger image here

Building Wings Book cover
You can order one or more copies of Building Wings to use in your classroom or, if you prefer, listen to Don as he reads the book to you! Listen online (you'll need computer speakers that can be turned up for all to hear) or purchase the recording on CD.  To order by phone, call 800.999.4660 and ask for F26MWB for the paperback book ($9.95) or F26AWB for audio ($18.95).

1. Read Aloud (15 minutes)

Read one or two chapters of Building Wings aloud to the entire group/class during each lesson.  

 

Don with Building Wings Book INCREASE STUDENT CONNECTIONS TO DON’S STORY!
  •  Use the audio book to hear the story told in Don’s own voice.
  • Stop to discuss parts of the text that resonate with your students.
  • Write to Don about his book and your personal experiences as a struggling learner.

 


2.    Respond to Text (30 minutes)

Allow students to work individually and/or in small groups to respond to the text with their chosen activity.

3.    Share with Others (Ongoing)

Display learners’ illustrations; record and replay Reader’s Theater performances (audio and/or video); gather in small groups to discuss, compare, and contrast learner’s graphic organizers. The possibilities are endless!
Reader's Theater Contest details

 

Building Wings, Self Confidence and Self Esteem: Showcase YOUR Student Advocacy Program on the Don Johnston web site.
Get contest details and enter your school or class today!

You'll have until July 18th to submit your Student Advocacy Program to us and we’ll showcase your student letters, audio testimonials, videos or PowerPoint® presentations online as part of the Reader's Theater showcase.

In September 2008, prizes will be awarded for the popular favorite as selected by our readers and for the “Best Self-Advocacy Program” as selected by a committee of educational experts. Three contestants will win SIX complete Start-to-Finish Library titles from our Classic Collection, including the computer book, paperback book and audiobook for each. A $400 value!

Enter the Building Wings Reader’s Theater Contest Today!

  • Once you have entered, you will receive regular updates via your email. We'll also send instructions on how to submit your entry.
  • Watch future issues of the LeaderLink for updates and links to view contest entries and vote for your favorites!