April is Autism Awareness Month!

Facts about Autism

  • Autism spectrum Disorder also known as ASD is a developmental disability that can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
  1. Autism now affects approximately 1 in 68 children.
  2. Boys are nearly five times more likely to have autism, about 1 in 42.
  3. There is no cure, however with early intervention symptoms can greatly improve.
  4. Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders.

In helping to raise awareness we would like to feature some of the great resources we have available at McLure Education Library!

100 Ideas for Supporting Pupils on the Autistic Spectrum

100 ideas  http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=2090010

 

Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

Developing college skills  http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3400574

 

The New Social Story Book

social   http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1673177

 

The Social Skills Picture Book

picture   http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1666226

Ian’s Walk

ian    http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1063270

Carly’s Voice

carly    http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3913348

 

Please check out our Curriculum Materials area for sensory manipulatives!

 

The Mystery Box

The mystery box    http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1852881

Gears Galore

gearshttp://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1203448

 

 Coming Soon!!!!!

Sensory Balls

sensory ballshttp://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4438677

 

For additional resources please visit: https://autism-clinic.ua.edu

clinic

Special thanks to The University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic.  I cannot say enough wonderful things about this clinic and the services they provide.

 

Content created by:  Kristy Justice

 

 

 

 

 

Recognizing African American History in the Classroom

Suggested Books

African-American History is a subject that can be taught all throughout the year, not just during the month of February. Whether you are introducing African-American History to your students for the first time or if it is referred to frequently in your classroom the items listed below will be useful to you. They contain a wide variety of topics and activities that can easily be incorporated. All books that are represented are found at the Mclure Education Library and the location of said books will be linked underneath each description.

Cover Image

Henry’s Freedom Box

In 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry “Box” Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate. This is an remarkable true story of a man who put his life on the line for his ultimate freedom. The author, Ellen Levine, and the illustrator,  Kadir Nelson, both do a incredible job with the story line and illustrations. Perfect for introducing the subject of slavery at a young age. This book is recommended for ages 4-8 year-olds.

http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=2272953

Cover Image

Stella by Starlight

Equal rights, segregation, and racism are all issues that eleven- year- old Stella faces. Sharon Draper dives deep into the south during the rise of the KKK and strong prejudice against the African American population. Draper paints Stella as an aspiring writer, and a girl would love to change things with not just her voice but also with the words she writes. This book is recommended for ages 9-13 with a caution to sensitive readers.

http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4358485

 

inventors

What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African American Inventors

Children of all ages will enjoy learning historical facts about African-American inventors and the roles they have played in inventing many things.

http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3527388

 

African American History

A Kid’s Guide to African American History

This book includes more than 70 hands-on activities, songs, and games that teach kids about history and cultural awareness.

http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1554564

 

Suggested Classroom Activities

 

Slide2[4]https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255255634/

Have students create their own inventions or feature an African-American inventor!  This can be printed in our library.

henrys printablehttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255250775/

Use this activity to encourage students to explore more facts about Henry “Box” Brown.  This can be printed in our library.

ballot boxhttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255255846/

McLure Education Library suggests using this idea to teach the importance of equal rights in voting.

 

Content created by : Kristy Justice & Dagan Bond

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

By Kristy Justice, Library Assistant, McLure Education Library

How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your classroom?

Children learn about love starting at an early age, take this as a perfect opportunity to teach your class about love, kindness, and compassion.
Listed below are a few ideas handpicked by McLure Education Library staff.

Books
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine
Junie

Does Junie B. really have to give that meanie ol’ Jim a valentime?  Her mother informed her that she was to include everyone in the class. Does Junie B. get a Valentine’s Day surprise?  This funny, chapter book series written by Barbara Park is suggested for ages 5-8.  This book is available in our school library!
http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=1787003

Snowy Valentine
snowy valentine

This delightful story takes place on a cold, snowy Valentine’s Day.  Jasper the bunny is desperately searching for the perfect gift to show his wife just how much he loves her.  Feeling discouraged and having no luck finding something special, a friend helps him realize that he has already created the perfect Valentine’s Day present.  Written by David Petersen, this heartwarming story is recommended for children ages 3-6.
http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3609986

Classroom Activities

stemmathcolorword searchheart

Valentine’s Day Stem – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255158019/                                                                                         Valentine’s Day Math Worksheets- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255152169/
Valentine’s Day Color by Number- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255157691/
Valentine’s Day Word Search- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255157816/
Pumping Heart Model is located in the Curriculum Materials section at McLure Education Library – http://library.ua.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3520948
Classroom Crafts

craftsmazeteddy

Heart Shaped Animals-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Abzs4buSYCeL64rJfGsoG80wH2SW5PlG9iOGb3AtLk0R7gbyKSFNk1c/
Maze Printable-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255163863/
Valentine Bag Bear/Bunny- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69172544255169053/