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Exciting classroom uses at ALL levels of education!
We are very excited about the application of our book at all levels of education. It is unique in that it has tremendous cross-over uses from special needs education to the regular classroom curriculum in elementary, middle, and high schools
Take the case of Otto Hintz, an 11-year old boy from Lebanon Township in Jersey who has Down Syndrome. He loves history and bought America according to Connor Gifford at the Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Boston in July. When he showed it to his social studies teacher, she is now having her entire class read the book together!
Lesson learned! Since students of all backgrounds and capabilities like reading our book - even those who dislike history, America according to Connor Gifford:
- Encourages learning about our nation's past,
- Promotes inclusion in the classroom...those of every level, learning and sharing their thoughts together, rather than being separated.
As a teacher at a conference at Princeton University this fall pointed out, special education is not a place, it is a philosophy. When kids leave school there is no special ed. line at Shop N' Stop!
Why did you decide to make this book with Victoria?
"It all started with my deep love of American history. Back in 8th grade in my mid-teens, in history class, many kids were sleeping, doodling, and failing to make notes.
And that's the problem today. Kids are being taught with dates and timelines. They do not go to thee past and say, "Oh, I know why they did this!" They can't picture themselves back then.
But, I learned something from history. As I read on, and learned more, I felt that I was in their shoes.
I like learning about America and people who really made a difference, who said, "Hey, here I am!" Ben Franklin, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Jefferson, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is important that all Americans understand that what happened in the past really matters. I strongly believe that we need to know who we really are, and how we interpret America. We have to learn from our mistakes.
We need to look at where we are today because of the past. We have to have a memory of the last 300 years. We have to realize we have problems like global warming and war and we need to fix the problems so we can make our world a better place to live.
We should not go to war. We argue about stupid things...don't stop to realize that if we do the same thing over and over again, we may have WWIII on our hands! We need to listen better.
Raves From Educators and Students Nationwide!
(Also see many more comments on myspace and facebook)
"I saw you on the Today Show and was inspired. At my middle school I am reading your book to the sixth graders in my World Culture class and am excited to see their reactions and comments to your unique and special perspective of our great nation...am using some of the discussion questions as well. I can't think of a better way to introduce my students to history. We discuss Down syndrome before we begin and my students appear very interested. I'm also using it during an enrichment period that I have with a different class each day. As I've told them, by the time we finish the book, I will have read it six times. Truth be told, I never grow tired of the beautiful, simple and effective prose. I would love for you to be able to visit us and speak to teh children about this wonderful book."
Linda Rand
Sixth Grade Teacher
Wellington, Florida
"I am writing curriculum materials and stories for students with special learning needs, and would like to include your book in our American History studies. I love what you have done to encourage inclusion in the classroom. Students with special learning needs and typically developing children can read and discuss the book together."
Kathy Stauler
Unique Learning System
Fort Recovery, Ohio
"I teach fourth and fifth grade students who have some type of emotional and/or behavioral problem, and their needs weren't able to be met within their districts. am exited about your book and want to share it with my 4th and 5th grade students. Great job! I think your book will be a wonderful way to reach them. Also, my son has special needs. He's 21 now, but it's been quite a road. Social Studies was always his favorite subject. He has Asperger's so he'd get completely inside various historical subjects. One entire year he dressed as a Revolutionary War Cavalry Officer. I always loved how excited for learning he was."
Erica Wells
Marcus Whitman Elementary School
Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES in Gorham, New York
"Self-advocate Connor Gifford is a history buff. He shares his love of history and people who take risks' who were ‘scorned for being different' with author Victoria Harris. The result is a historical timeline with stories about people such as Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks; historic events such as Plessy vs. Ferguson, women gaining the right to vote, and Kent State; and Connor's concerns for the future such as war, public health and global warming. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
Book review in Down Syndrome News
November 2008
"We are so pleased that Connor will be speaking at Cape Cod Community College on December 8. Could you send us 150 more copies so that we can send them out to Project Forward students and their parents before Connor's visit?"
Eleanor Adams
Cape Cod Community College
Project Forward
"Connor was one of my elementary Physical Education students and I want to tell Connor how proud I am of him!."
Steven Neff
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg, Ohio
"We would love to have Connor visit PathfinderVillage, a residential community in Upstate New York. What an inspiration!
Stacy Hickey
Sr. Director of Program Services
Edmeston, New York
"I am writing you from our social networking website http://www.specialfriends.com/ and we would like to feature Connor as a hero. I believe his story would be a great inspiration to others."
Claire Hewett
Cardiff, England
"Connor, you are an amazing individual who has much to offer the world. You are a prime example that no matter what health issues you may have, you can still be successful and contributing citizen on this earth. I wish you well in all your life pursuits."
Your friend, Lisa
(also see many more comments about Connor at myspace, facebook and Youtube!)
"You are an inspiration! My granddaughter is 6 years old and has Down syndrome.
I work with her every chance I get to help her excel and to do every thing she can.
I worry for her, but you show me that she can excel."
Deb Smith
Grandmother
"The morning of your book signing at my niece's book store, Bookworks, I read her enthusiastic web page release. You are an inspiration and I will pass your book on and on and on!"
Mellinda Olson
Vero Beach, Florida
"Every show has success stories, but one new book introduced at BookExpo America is particularly important. the way that Victoria captured Connor's view of our country's history over 400 years is inspirational, sincere, and makes you truly proud to be an American. The book's appeal not only stems from insightful interpretations of our history, but opinions of our present and future social dilemmas. No wonder there is such "buzz" about this book in the publishing world."
Deb McManus
Book Expos America
"In a world where persons with special needs are confronted by prejudice and closed doors, Connor Gifford is a wonderfully inspiring individual to all who have been blessed with special needs. Order Connor's book today and feed your soul. Individuals CAN make a difference against ALL odds!"
Lori
Special Connection Homeschool
Chanute, Kansas
"I'm 11 years old. My teacher told me about this book. When she read page one, I raised my hand and asked where she got it. The next day I went out to buy the book!"
Brittany Baro
Wellington, Florida
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