Helen Keller

Champion of the Disabled

Helen was a delightful, feisty little girl no different than any other child except she was blind and deaf. Her early life was one of frustration because of her inability to communicate. When she discovered language, she felt "joyous, strong, equal to my limitations."

In this very moving portrayal, children will relive Helen's fascinating life through her graduation from college and the writing of her 12 books. She will show students how she learned to speak and read in Braille, and a Braille book will be available for them to see and touch following the performance.

Helen's mesmerizing story will help children understand and accept the different ways people do the same things, and inspire them to be the best they can be with the talents they possess.

RELATED CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS:

• The study of local heroines
• The writing of biographies
• Units on disability awareness 
• Career day - Helen was a writer
• The subjects of social studies and language arts

SPECIAL CELEBRATION DATES:

• October – Disability Awareness Month, National Book Month
• October 19-25 National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
• November 15-21 – American Education Week
• March – Women's History Month, Deaf History Month
• April 12-18 – National Library Week
• April 5 – Anniversary of Helen Keller's miracle
• April – Anne Sullivan's birthday is April 2; The anniversary of the founding of the School for the Deaf is in April
• May – Better Hearing and Speech Month
• May 11-17 – Children's Book Week
• June – Helen's birthday is in June

TESTIMONIALS:

CHICAGO:
"Perfect way to introduce Helen Keller's life. It made the students understand the obstacles she had to face. The book I read them did not have close to the same effect."
  -- Second Grade Teacher, Elm School, Burr Ridge
"The students were able to empathize with the plight of a handicapped person, probably for the first time. It even brought a tear to a few eyes."
  -- Seventh Grade Teacher, Scammon School, Chicago

BOSTON:
"Our K-2 students were spellbound and motionless. The program surpassed our expectations in providing our students with an enrichment activity that stresses the appreciation and understanding of diversity."
  -- Principal, Shaker Lane School (Grades K-2), Littleton
"This may have been the best piece of educational entertainment I have viewed in 21 years. The entire audience was spellbound by this great portrayal of a person with handicaps learning to rise above them."
  -- Fourth Grade Teacher, Canterbury Street School, Worcester

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL:
"Absolutely wonderful! My children were so interested. The library will have a long wait list for the Helen Keller books!"
  -- Second Grade Teacher, Westwood School, Prior Lake
"The Helen Keller program was excellent which was obvious as 300 hormonal eighth graders were riveted."
  -- Eighth Grade Teacher, Oak-Land Junior High, Lake Elmo