Lesson Plan: Proms for ill teens

Objectives

Students will

• Appreciate differences in others.
• Explain the effects of chronic disabilities.
• Create ways to improve inclusion efforts in their school and/or community.
• Interview a student who is affected by a chronic disease.

Standards

National Council of Social Studies

High school students integrate individual stories about people, events and situations to form a more holistic conception, in which continuity and change are linked in time and across cultures.

Suggested time

3-4 class periods

Materials

CNNfyi article, "Prom of their own"
Internet access

Procedure

1. Have students read the CNNfyi article, "Prom of their own."

2. Discuss the goals of the Starlight Children's Foundation. Refer to the Internet site below. After students have read the article, ask:

• Why couldn't these students make it to the regular high school prom? Why is an organization such as the Starlight Children's Foundation necessary?
• Do you know a student who has a chronic disability? Does he/she appear to be included in the usual school programs? Explain.

• Do you see these students/people portrayed in the mainstream media? If so, how often and exactly how are they portrayed? If not, why do you think this is so?
• What inferences can you make about the lack of representation of this population? What changes would you make if given the opportunity?

Evaluation

After completing the research process, students should work in groups or with partners to design a plan to increase inclusion of impaired students in the school and/or community. They should present their findings to the class. If possible, challenge them to present their ideas at a school board meeting and work to make positive changes or to schedule an activity to support students with disabilities.

Extension

Students may arrange an interview with a student who has a physical or developmental difficulty. They should ask the student questions about his or her impairment (i.e., coping mechanisms, feelings about school, etc.). If possible, students may arrange for one of the students interviewed to speak to the class.