Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams is a great choice for black history month and is for students with autism and special learning needs. This 32 page unit on Desmond and the Very Mean Word is designed for students who have significant disabilities and special learning needs. I was always reading a novel to my students, regardless of their learning level. The lesson of learning to sit while someone is talking is an invaluable skill that is worthwhile teaching.
Students will get to hear a true story from Desmond Tutu’s childhood, and how even at an early age, learned the power of forgiveness and unconditional kindness.
There are so many benefits to reading out loud to your students. You will teach them an invaluable skill of learning to sit still while someone else is talking. Your parents will also LOVE you for not only teaching them this skill of sitting but also for exposing them to age-appropriate material. Plus, you never know which students you will touch with each story you read.