My Buddy
Pat Ruddle
Dooley--Counselor
Lynn
Kochevar-MSUM--Intern 1998-1999
Crystal Lake
Elementary
Lakeville,
Minnesota
Description of
the Lesson
My Buddy is a
second grade guidance lesson developed at Crystal Lake Elementary by Pat
Ruddle Dooley to help students promote an acceptance of the differences in
people and an understanding of some of the issues a person who is physically
disabled may have to deal with. The students should be able to distinguish
between differences in cultures, lifestyles, and abilities. My Buddy is a
non-fiction book written by Audrey Osofsky. Ms. Osofsky is an author from
Burnsville, Minnesota. She wrote this book after interviewing a young boy with
a physical disability. The following lesson is designed for a 30 minute
period.
A typical lesson
follows by asking students the following questions:
- What is a
disability?
- What are some
different kinds of disabilities that people have?
- How should we
treat people who have disabilities?
- Today’s story
is about a boy who is disabled and the dog who works with him and loves him
unconditionally.
Read the story to
the students and follow up with a discussion by asking the following
questions:
- What did you
think about the boy’s situation?
- How was his dog
helpful to him?
- How do you
think it would feel to be in a wheelchair?
- How would you
want others to treat you if you were in a wheel chair?
- What did you
learn today about disabilities and how to treat people who may have a
disability?
As you are
reading the story you may stop and ask questions to make sure the students are
following along and comprehending the story. You can also have some discussion
with the students if someone has something to share or a personal story to
tell.
Connections to
Related Standards, Competencies, and Domains
My Buddy directly
relates to Minnesota graduation preparatory content standards primary level,
area one; read, listen, and view in the English language. This lesson will
relate to the literal comprehension as follows:
A. Literal
comprehension. A student shall demonstrate comprehension of literal meaning
through reading, viewing, or listening to nonfiction and fiction selections
by:
(1) identifying main ideas and some supporting details;
(2) retelling main events or ideas in sequence;
(3) pronouncing new words using phonic skills;
(4) reading aloud fluently with appropriate expression;
(5) demonstrating appropriate techniques for learning new vocabulary;
and
(6) interpreting presentations of data.
My Buddy also
relates to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee
Standards identified under the self-knowledge section. In the elementary
school children will gain an understanding of the importance of self-concept
by becoming aware that all children are different in many ways. They will also
be able to learn about the importance of developing skills to interact with
children who have disabilities. They will also become aware of the importance
of growth and change.
My Buddy is also
reflective of the personal and social development domain of the Minnesota
School Counselors Model of Developmental Guidance and Counseling. The lesson
attaches itself to the domain by teaching students about the importance of
self-identity even though he/she may be physically different from other
children. This lesson can also help reinforce their social skills and help
increase their communication when talking with children about disabilities.
Self-understanding is also increases by allowing the students to share about
personal experiences related to themselves, friends, or family members.
References and
Resources
Enestvedt Karlson,
Judith, Rief Murphy, Joyce. (1993). The MN. School Counselors Model of
Developmental Guidance and Counseling.
MN Department of
Children, Families, & Learning, MN Profile of Learning.
National
Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
Osofsky, A. My
Buddy. (1992). Henry Holt and Company, Inc. 115 West 18th Street New York, New
York 10011.
For Further
Information
Pat Ruddle Dooley
Professional
School Counselor
Crystal Lake
Elementary
Lakeville,
Minnesota
612-469-7304