My White Cane and Me

Lesson Plan

This lesson is intended for children in Early Elementary (Kindergarten-2nd Grade).

Overview

Students will explore their feelings about their white cane using simple language and sensory descriptions. This lesson emphasizes positive identity, independence, and self-expression through speaking, listening, drawing, and early writing. This lesson is designed to take between 20-30 minutes.

Learning Objectives

• Identify how their white cane makes them feel
  
• Describe their cane using one or more senses
  
• Share an idea using words, pictures, or spoken language
  

Materials

• White cane (student's own or a demonstration cane)
  
• Paper or writing surface
  
• Markers, crayons, or braille material
• Optional: adult scribe or recording device
  

Activity Steps

1. Line 1:
   
   1. Teacher says: "Today we're going to write a poem about white canes! A white cane helps us move safely and independently. Everyone can feel different about using their cane - and all feelings are okay."
      
   2. Students complete one sentence (spoken, written, or dictated):
      
      1. "My cane makes me feel ________."
         
      2. "I feel ________ when I use my cane."
         
         1. Examples to model: proud, safe, brave, happy
2. Line 2:
   
   1. Students complete one or more prompts:
      
      1. "My cane feels like ________."
         
      2. "My cane sounds like ________."
         
      3. "My cane looks like ________."
         
3. Line 3:
   
   1. Get creative- students complete the prompt:
      
      1. "My cane is like ________."
         
         1. Examples: my bestie, a magic wand, my super power
            
4. Put it all together:
   
   1. The students have now written their three-line poem!
      
5. Optional activities:
   
   1. Print out their poems and have the students decorate the page
      
   2. Decorate your cane
      
      1. Tactile stickers, ribbons, etc.
         

Sharing & Reflection

Invite students to read aloud and share their poems. If you are working with one student, encourage them to share it with their peers!