Jo Meserve Mach

"What a wonderful introduction to the Finding My World Series Children will love to see their interests reflected in this story and the photos from other parts of the world."- Becky Drews, MS.Ed Special Education In Neema Wants to Learn, a girl with learning disabilities shares how she likes to learn all day long. She introduces you to Mama Mdemu and her friend Joseph. Delightful photographs capture her interactions and activities as her day in an orphanage in Tanzania progresses. Neema tricks Joseph, helps Mama Mdemu, and helps care for the younger children. It's great fun to discover her favorite games and a fun coconut song she sings. Neema inspires us to learn throughout our day as we participate in our daily activities even if learning something new is difficult. By sharing Neema's story we celebrate Neema's many strengths and abilities. Neema has learning disabilities.

"Stories are magic. Good stories change lives and culture. "Finding My Way Books" are spectacular resources that feature youth and adults, living inclusive lives.... -Jack Pearpoint, Executive Director Inclusion Press; Marsha Forest Centre In Cooper Wants to Do Chores, a young boy with physical disabilities defies all stereotypes as he helps his family take care of the animals on their farm. It's amazing to see what he dares to do and how much he helps. He helps care for their dog, cat, and sheep. He even jumps down a hay hole Boom Cooper's brother Weston pushes a bale of hay off a huge pile of bales. Cooper and his mom are waiting below to tear it apart so they can feed it to the sheep. Later, kittens pop out of the hay and are ready to play. It's exciting to discover what happens next during routine chores in Cooper's family barn. Cooper is delightful as he shares his enthusiasm for helping and doesn't hesitate to be included.By sharing Cooper's story, we celebrate Cooper's many strengths and abilities. Cooper has arthrogryposis and TAR syndrome.

Becky Drews, MS.Ed Special Education In MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready, a young girl with disabilities delights us with her enthusiasm as she gets ready to attend her school dance. MyaGrace bubbles over with joy every step of the way as she crosses items off her list. MyaGrace has to choose her dress, her shoes, and her jewelry. Then she's off to the best time ever at the beauty salon where she has a wonderful surprise. It's so much fun getting ready for a school dance with MyaGrace and of course, she has to practice dancing, too By sharing MyaGrace's story we celebrate her many strengths and abilities. MyaGrace has intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy.

"Libraries looking to add to their inclusive nonfiction offerings will find this one a winner." KIRKUS review In Claire Wants a Boxing Name a mother and daughter share their weekly boxing lesson. Taught by a woman who is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog, an amazing story unfolds. Dynamic photography captures the energy and intensity of the physical activities all three women complete at the inclusive Toronto Girls Boxing Club. Boxing moves, bags, and gloves abound as the story reveals Claire's desire to be given a boxing name. It will represent what she has learned from boxing. She knows that her mom and other women have really cool boxing names like Slice 'n Dice and Eraser. Claire was born with a facial difference and through boxing has gained a new strength she hopes will shine through her new name. This story challenges the reader's perception of what a person with blindness is capable of doing and also provides an incentive to challenge oneself to discover personal strengths.By sharing Claire's story, we celebrate Vivian's many strengths and abilities. Vivian is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog.

"Wow Such beautiful photography and a sweet story."- Lori Eigenman, Ed.S. In Onika Wants to Help, four friends share how their lives changed when an inclusive school was built in their small African village. When they were young, their families had to keep them hidden because of their disabilities For the first time in their lives, they are allowed to attend school, and it makes them very happy. Beautiful photographs take us onto the grounds of their Rainbow School and capture the essence of what it means to get to do something you have longed to do for many years. It's fun to discover the interests of the four teenagers. Onika, Teophani, Elibeth, and Agnes all share what they are learning and how they will someday be able to help others in their village. This book explodes with its powerful message of inclusion and shows how allowing everyone to participate makes the world a better place.By sharing Onika's story we celebrate the four teenagers' many strengths and abilities. Onika has intellectual disabilities. Her friends have intellectual disabilities and autism.

"A beautiful book which has the potential to touch, inspire, and educate everyone." - MS, Verified Purchaser In Matteo Wants to See What's Next, two boys spend the day with an adult friend with disabilities and explore the Royal Ontario Museum. Beautiful photography gives voice to a young boy's anticipation as it illustrates how speech is not the only way we communicate. Matteo and Cristian love to spend the day with their friend Rebecca. Today, Rebecca has a surprise for them. Matteo can't wait to see it He's on the move as they explore the museum, and the book shows all the ways Rebecca uses eye gaze to direct their inclusive visit to a museum. Together, they examine the Biodiversity area, where they touch an owl and visit a bat cave, visit China, and explore the dinosaurs. This exploration will entice children to visit their own museums in a new way and will show them ways to understand new types of communication. They will feel comfortable as they interact with the differently-abled. By sharing Matteo's story, we celebrate Rebecca's many strengths and abilities. Rebecca has cerebral palsy.

Finding My World SEL Curriculum: 2-3 Research has determined that expanded social, emotional learning (SEL) enhances academic achievement. As a literature-based study with the Finding My World strong>> series, this inclusive 2-3 curriculum promotes SEL skill development by deepening students' understanding and acceptance of others through exposure to life experiences of individuals with disabilities living in their communities. Discussions and activities build student capacity in social-awareness as defined by CASEL. This Finding My World SEL program challenges second and third graders to think about their own feelings and actions as they follow a literature-based study with the Finding My World series. The Finding My World b> series presents six multi-culturally and geographically diverse nonfiction stories that give voice to children with disabilities and promote their equity within our communities. Inclusive stories offer students the opportunity to meet children and adults with disabilities. This includes children with autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, facial difference, arthrogryposis, and TAR syndrome. In addition, stories introduce adults who are nonverbal because of cerebral palsy and differently sight abled. The SEL Finding My World curriculum provides educators with background information, basic disability facts, guided reading questions, vocabulary, and three printable activity pages for each story. Also included are pre-and post-surveys to assess student self-awareness related to their perception of their peers with disabilities.

Finding My World DEI Curriculum: Grades 2-3 With the social acclaim that Everyone Matters, it is important for students today to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a literature-based study with the Finding My World series, this inclusive 2-3 curriculum promotes DEI skill development by fostering student exposure to individuals living with disabilities and expanding their capacity to build relationships with all their peers. This Finding My World DEI program challenges second and third graders to think about their own feelings and actions as they follow a literature-based study with the Finding My World series. Offering diversity in culture and geography, the Finding My World series presents six unique nonfiction stories that give voice to children with disabilities and promote their equity within their communities. Inclusive stories offer students the opportunity to meet children and adults with disabilities. This includes children with autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, facial difference, arthrogryposis and TAR syndrome. In addition, stories introduce adults who are nonverbal because of cerebral palsy and differently sight abled. The DEI Finding My World curriculum compares and contrasts six pairs of books within the Finding My World series to provide educators with detailed context to facilitate students' understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to an identified DEI competency. In addition, a Reader's Theater script, discussion questions, and four printable activity pages (per pair) provide opportunities for fun interaction around these topics. Pre-and post-surveys to assess student self-awareness related to their perception of their peers with disabilities help the student integrate their learning into their own lives.

Research has determined that expanded social, emotional learning (SEL) enhances academic achievement. As a literature-based study, this curriculum compliments SEL skill development by deepening students' understanding and acceptance of themselves through exposure to life experiences of individuals with disabilities living in their communities. Discussions and activities build student capacity in self-awareness as defined by CASEL.For each SEL lesson, a book is linked to the self-awareness competency. Students gain context to develop competency capacities by reading the stories, learning background information, understanding different disability diagnoses, answering three styles of discussion questions, and completing activities.

With the social acclaim that Everyone Matters, it is important for students today to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a literature-based study for kindergarten - grade 3, this curriculum compliments DEI skill development by fostering student exposure to individuals living with disabilities and expanding their capacity to build relationships with all their peers.The six Finding My Way books are organized in pairs for this DEI curriculum. Lessons link two books to explore a competency These include understanding implicit bias, cultural competency, promotion of civility, social justice development, and youth development. Students will gain context for each competency by reading the stories, learning background information, answering discussion questions, and completing activities

The Finding My Story Inclusive Afterschool: Grades 2-3 program includes each book's introduction, background information about the child in the story, and basic information about their disability. After reading the book and completing the activities, students write one sentence about themselves that connects them to that story. When students finish six sentences, they will have found their own story.

"Stories are magic. Good stories change lives and culture. "Finding My Way Books" are spectacular resources that feature youth and adults, living inclusive lives.... -Jack Pearpoint, Executive Director Inclusion Press; Marsha Forest Centre In Cooper Wants to Do Chores, a young boy with physical disabilities defies all stereotypes as he helps his family take care of the animals on their farm. It's amazing to see what he dares to do and how much he helps. He helps care for their dog, cat, and sheep. He even jumps down a hay hole Boom Cooper's brother Weston pushes a bale of hay off a huge pile of bales. Cooper and his mom are waiting below to tear it apart so they can feed it to the sheep. Later, kittens pop out of the hay and are ready to play. It's exciting to discover what happens next during routine chores in Cooper's family barn. Cooper is delightful as he shares his enthusiasm for helping and doesn't hesitate to be included.By sharing Cooper's story, we celebrate Cooper's many strengths and abilities. Cooper has arthrogryposis and TAR syndrome.

"Wow Such beautiful photography and a sweet story."- Lori Eigenman, Ed.S. In Onika Wants to Help, four friends share how their lives changed when an inclusive school was built in their small African village. When they were young, their families had to keep them hidden because of their disabilities For the first time in their lives, they are allowed to attend school, and it makes them very happy. Beautiful photographs take us onto the grounds of their Rainbow School and capture the essence of what it means to get to do something you have longed to do for many years. It's fun to discover the interests of the four teenagers. Onika, Teophani, Elibeth, and Agnes all share what they are learning and how they will someday be able to help others in their village. This book explodes with its powerful message of inclusion and shows how allowing everyone to participate makes the world a better place.By sharing Onika's story we celebrate the four teenagers' many strengths and abilities. Onika has intellectual disabilities. Her friends have intellectual disabilities and autism.

"What a wonderful introduction to the Finding My World Series Children will love to see their interests reflected in this story and the photos from other parts of the world."- Becky Drews, MS.Ed Special Education In Neema Wants to Learn, a girl with learning disabilities shares how she likes to learn all day long. She introduces you to Mama Mdemu and her friend Joseph. Delightful photographs capture her interactions and activities as her day in an orphanage in Tanzania progresses. Neema tricks Joseph, helps Mama Mdemu, and helps care for the younger children. It's great fun to discover her favorite games and a fun coconut song she sings. Neema inspires us to learn throughout our day as we participate in our daily activities even if learning something new is difficult. By sharing Neema's story we celebrate Neema's many strengths and abilities. Neema has learning disabilities.

"Libraries looking to add to their inclusive nonfiction offerings will find this one a winner." KIRKUS review In Claire Wants a Boxing Name a mother and daughter share their weekly boxing lesson. Taught by a woman who is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog, an amazing story unfolds. Dynamic photography captures the energy and intensity of the physical activities all three women complete at the inclusive Toronto Girls Boxing Club. Boxing moves, bags, and gloves abound as the story reveals Claire's desire to be given a boxing name. It will represent what she has learned from boxing. She knows that her mom and other women have really cool boxing names like Slice 'n Dice and Eraser. Claire was born with a facial difference and through boxing has gained a new strength she hopes will shine through her new name. This story challenges the reader's perception of what a person with blindness is capable of doing and also provides an incentive to challenge oneself to discover personal strengths.By sharing Claire's story, we celebrate Vivian's many strengths and abilities. Vivian is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog.

"A beautiful book which has the potential to touch, inspire, and educate everyone." - MS, Verified Purchaser In Matteo Wants to See What's Next, two boys spend the day with an adult friend with disabilities and explore the Royal Ontario Museum. Beautiful photography gives voice to a young boy's anticipation as it illustrates how speech is not the only way we communicate. Matteo and Cristian love to spend the day with their friend Rebecca. Today, Rebecca has a surprise for them. Matteo can't wait to see it He's on the move as they explore the museum, and the book shows all the ways Rebecca uses eye gaze to direct their inclusive visit to a museum. Together, they examine the Biodiversity area, where they touch an owl and visit a bat cave, visit China, and explore the dinosaurs. This exploration will entice children to visit their own museums in a new way and will show them ways to understand new types of communication. They will feel comfortable as they interact with the differently-abled. By sharing Matteo's story, we celebrate Rebecca's many strengths and abilities. Rebecca has cerebral palsy.

Kaitlyn loves ducks. Her family loves all the animals. Seeing those apes and lions and elephants and goats and giraffes and bears, just isn't what Kaitlyn wants to do. What's a girl to do, when it's family day at the zoo?Kaitlyn ama los patos. A su familia le encantan todos los animales. Pero ver monos, leones, elefantes, cabras, jirafas y osos no es exactamente lo que Kaitlyn quiere hacer. Qu debe hacer una ni a durante un d a familiar en el zool gico?

It seems like all boys want a puppy. But not Ethan He's happy playing with his cars. His older brothers have a different idea. They talk Mom and Dad into getting them a puppy. It's a good thing that Ethan is around when they discover their idea didn't work out the way they thought it would.Parece que todos los ni os quieren un perrito. Pero no Ethan l el feiz jugarando con sus autos. Sus hermanos mayores tienen una idea diferente. Ellos convencen a mam y a pap de conseguir un perrito. Es bueno que Ethan est ah cuando decubren que su idea no funcion de la forma que pensaban.

Playing the drum is so much fun. Waylen could do that all day long. But learning to be on a drumline isdifferent. How will Waylen learn to drum with his line? What happens when Waylen is jamming?Tocar el tambor es muy divertido. Waylen podr a hacerlo todo el d a. Pero aprender a tocar en una banda de percursionistas es diferente. C mo aprender Waylen a tocar el tambor con su banda? Qu sucede cuando Waylen est improvisando con su tambor?