I Can Do This

This book, These Stories, were intended to be used by anyone who has the ability to help these individuals fit in wherever they go. If teachers could use these stories to introduce the problem and possibly the solution to the students prior to the introduction of the student with special needs or problems, there wouldn't be so much apathy in the world. In using animals instead of names there is no chance of anyone misunderstanding and transferring any of these topics onto anyone specific. I've tried to cover as many issues as I could: communication, deafness, blindness, birth defects, epilepsy, amputees, etc. But the most important goal is acceptance. There could be role playing (i.e., someone could be the cow or the beaver or the iguana). Interaction could play an important role in getting the message across. &quote;I haven't been on Facebook much lately, but felt so compelled to share a very special gift that I received from one of my sweet student's grandmother. Her name is Laura Mae Murphy and is the talented author of I CAN DO THIS which contains an important message that I feel has been slighted in children's literature. I have never met Mae, but as soon as I set the book down, I felt honored that our paths had crossed. It was evident to me that Mae used her compassionate nature to focus on a special population who are often overlooked, misunderstood, yet must deal with specific challenges on a daily basis. Mae sensitively addresses issues, such as epilepsy, deafness, blindness, birth defects, communication disorders, etc. with the goal of helping these precious individuals gain acceptance, especially amongst their peers. Mae cleverly uses strategies such as animal characters to help build understanding and self-esteem, teach empathy, encourage helpfulness and cooperation to reach the goal of positive interaction among children. Another strategy that children enjoy is hearing stories through rhyme. How Mae was able to accomplish this feat with each topic, was absolutely astounding!I have a double major in Early Childhood Education and Child Development, as well as a minor in Reading. I have been an educator for 33 years, am a mother to five grown children, have conducted several school Book Fairs and worked in the school library for a few years. Needless to say, children's books have been a huge part of my life, and I highly recommend this amazing book. I would love for each educator or anybody with children in their life to possess a copy of I CAN DO THIS to help children learn acceptance of diversity while also building good character traits that are discussed in this brilliant book. Laura Lewis Murphy, thank you for all the time, effort and other resources used to help with a shared goal of mine: &quote;Do what you can to help make this world a better place.&quote; Awesome job!&quote;- Kylie Smith, Elementary School Teacher