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Helen Keller's Teacher

Scholastic Biography Series

4.17
on Goodreads (2,171)

What’s inside...

Tells the story of Annie Sullivan, the woman who taught Helen Keller, a blind and deaf girl, to read and communicate. The true story of the dedicated woman, Anne Sullivan Macy, who became Helen Keller's teacher and lifelong friend.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

9-12

Length

160 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Anne Sullivan
Kate Adams Keller
Helen Keller
Captain Arthur H. Keller

Discussion points

What challenges did Helen Keller face, and how did her teacher help her overcome them?
Why do you think communication is important? How would you feel if you couldn’t hear or see?
What did you learn about perseverance and determination from Helen and her teacher?
How did Helen Keller's accomplishments inspire others?
In what ways do you think a teacher can make a difference in someone's life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the story together, ensuring your child understands the key events before diving into deeper discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Helen Keller’s situation, fostering a deeper connection to the challenges she faced.
Highlight the importance of never giving up by discussing how Helen Keller's determination led to her success despite her disabilities.
Relate discussions to personal experiences where a teacher or mentor has made a significant impact on your child's life, making the content more relatable.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: The book portrays the relentless efforts of Anne Sullivan to teach Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind. Despite many challenges, Sullivan's persistent and innovative teaching methods eventually lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persisting through difficulties in their own lives, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Anne Sullivan’s ability to empathize with Helen’s frustrations and challenges played a critical role in their success. She tailored her teaching methods to Helen's unique needs.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to develop empathy towards others who may have different experiences or challenges and to consider other people’s perspectives in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: The book highlights how education opens up new worlds for Helen Keller. Learning to communicate revolutionized Helen's world and allowed her to connect with others.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the transformative power of education and the doors that learning and communication can open, motivating them to value and pursue their own education.
Example Lesson: Breaking barriers
Explanation: Helen Keller’s achievements despite her disabilities demonstrate that limitations can be overcome with the right support and determination.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own barriers and not be defined by their limitations, pushing them to reach their full potential regardless of the circumstances.