More Than a Tool: What White Cane Day Means to Us

Middle school students lesson plans for White Cane Day.

Lesson Plan

For Middle School Students

Goals

  • Build group connection and help students feel comfortable working together.
  • Explore the meaning of White Cane Day in a way that is relevant to middle schoolers.
  • Encourage pride, self-expression, and creativity.
  • Create a group project (skit, rap, or story) for presentation.

Materials

  • Student white canes (extras available if needed).
  • Audio recorder or phone (optional for practicing rap/chant).
  • Props for skits (chairs, hats, backpacks, etc.).

Agenda

  1. Welcome & Icebreaker
    1. Script:
      1. "Happy White Cane Day, everyone! Today we're going to talk about why this day is important, and then we'll make something creative to share with others. But first, let's get to know each other."
    2. Activity Option:
      1. "Would You Rather: Cane Edition." Each student answers fun questions. Examples:
        1. Would you rather have a cane that makes sound effects (like a lightsaber) or one that glows in the dark?
        2. Would you rather travel to school with your cane or explore a new park with your cane?
        3. Would you rather teach a friend about your cane or teach a stranger in the community?
        4. Would you rather have your cane change colors with your mood or play music when you walk?
        5. Would you rather use your cane to explore a zoo or an amusement park?
        6. Would you rather invent a brand-new cane tip or design a cool cane holder?
        7. Would you rather travel independently to your favorite restaurant or to a concert?
        8. Would you rather use your cane in a big, busy city or on a quiet hiking trail?
        9. Would you rather explain your cane to 1 curious person or to a whole classroom?
        10. Would you rather take your cane on a trip to the beach or to the mountains?
        11. Would you rather have a cane that tells jokes or one that gives compliments?
        12. Would you rather walk with a group of friends using canes or travel solo on an adventure?
        13. Would you rather design a video game where the hero uses a cane or write a song about cane pride?
        14. Would you rather use your cane to explore a new school or a new city?
        15. Would you rather celebrate White Cane Day with a parade or with a dance party?
  2. What Is White Cane Day?
    1. Script:
      1. "White Cane Day celebrates independence and pride for people who are blind or have low vision. It also teaches the public to respect canes and to give space when people are traveling. White canes aren't just tools - they're a sign that people can do things for themselves."
    2. Discussion prompts:
      1. "What's something you can do with your cane now that you couldn't do before?"
      2. "What do you wish other people understood about your cane?"
      3. "What does independence mean to you?"
    3. Optional extension:
      1. Share the fact that White Cane Day began in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed it a national day. Ask: "Why do you think it's important for our community to be recognized?"
  3. Activity
    1. Work together to make a project, for example:
      1. Rap/Chant: Students write a short rap or chant about cane pride.
      2. Skits: Act out funny or real-life situations about cane use (crossing a street, explaining to friends, teaching the public).
      3. Group Story: Each person adds a part of a story about a cane adventure.
      4. Talk Show Style: One student is the "host" interviewing others about their cane experiences.
    2. Pick the project and work together to get it done:
      1. Adults support with writing, scripting, or prompting.
      2. Encourage all students to take a role (performer, sound effects, writer, narrator).
      3. Keep the tone fun and supportive. "Everyone's ideas matter. Let's bring them together to make something awesome. We want the audience to learn, but also to be entertained!"
  4. Optional Performance
  5. Wrap-Up
    1. Script:
      1. "Great job today! You worked together, shared your voices, and created something meaningful. White Cane Day is all about celebrating independence and community. I can't wait for others to see what you've made."