Helen Keller Lesson Plans Elementary Middle School

Helen Keller Activities and Printables

These Helen Keller activities and lesson plans focus on the senses. First watch this Brainpop video about Helen Keller or watch Disney's The Miracle Worker below. Then, do the fun activities to learn about Helen Keller's life. Keep scrolling to win a book about Helen Keller's life. Enjoy!

Helen Keller Lesson Plans Elementary Middle School.

Teachers: Here's a Helen Keller Lesson Plan for Elementary.





Health Component:
If you have a Brainpop password, you can also watch these videos on Hearing and Vision.

The Helen Keller Website is full of biographical information and interesting facts about Helen Keller.

Use this Braille Alphabet Printable as a guide to spell your name or the name of a famous person with candy dots. Glue the dots to a piece of paper in the braille patterns and have your partner "read" them with only their sense of touch.

I am Helen Keller by Brad Meltzer: Companion book for Helen Keller lesson.

Need a Helen Keller biography? This book from, The Ordianry People Can Change the World, series is the perfect companion book for kids of all ages. Keep scrolling to win your own copy.

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of the biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. This book tells the story from the point of view of a child Helen Keller.

When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or hear at all, and it was hard for her to communicate with anyone. But when she was six years old, she met someone who change her life forever: her teacher, Annie Sullivan. With Miss Sullivan's help, Helen learned how to speak sign language and read Braille. Armed with the ability to express herself, Helen grew up to be come a social activist, leading the fight for people with disabilities and so many other causes.

After reading the story and watching the videos print out this Helen Keller Worksheet Printable from Scholastics and complete the anwsers.

Fun Activity: Use Your Senses the Alabama Quarter from the U.S. Mint. Guess who is on the back of the Alabama quarter.

Click the link below for a printable worksheet for a What's in the Bag activity about the senses. You will need headphones or ear plugs, a blindfold, and a paper bag full of various items.

Working with a partner, find small items to fill up the bag. Each person fills a bag keeping the contents secret from their partner.

Then, take turns with the headphones and blindfold to see what's in the bag with only the sense of touch and the sense of smell.

Free Printable PDF Quarter Senses Activity: What's in the Bag?

Helen Keller Quotes

Learn Sign Language Alphabet Video





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ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

My Trip to the Manatee Viewing Center in Florida

Sea Cows: My Trip to the Manatee Preserve in Florida

Looking for FREE things to do with the kids during a Florida vacation? Mayhem is guest posting. In this article written for homeschool language arts, she tells about our visit to the Florida Manatee Preserve in Apollo Beach, Florida. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Futuristic Architecture for Kids

Architecture with a Fun, Kid-Focused, Futuristic Atmosphere

So, I'm somewhat of an Architecture ophile (okay, I made that word up). I studied Architecture in college, back then futuristic architecture was an oxymoron of sorts. It meant buildings designed in the past to look futuristic, generally the architecture of the 1920's-1930's Art Moderne later termed the Art Deco style- think the Chrysler Building in New York City. We've come a long way, baby.

Futuristic Architecture Story Lesson for Kids.

Were you looking for FUTURISTIC ACTIVITIES for Children?

What is the tallest building in the United States? Scroll down to find out. This is a great Homeschool Architecture Lesson.

Chrysler Building, New York City. Public domain photo from Wikipedia.

The era of 1910-1920 is termed a futurist movement. Everything since 1960 is considered Post-Modern Architecture. Futuristic Architecture is space age, like The Jetsons in the 1960's or Futurama in present day, it is impossible to believe these buildings could happen. But, happen they do.

Futuristic Reading Nook for Kids by Sako Architects.

This is a popular children's bookstore complete with activity centers, book nooks, and lots of space to run around while playing hide and seek. See more pictures of Kid's Republic Bookstore in Beijing.

Interior of the Swan Hotel, upscale (more for adults).
Public domain photo from Wikimedia.

One of the favorite buildings I ever saw up close was designed by Michael Graves. The Humana building in downtown Lousiville, Kentucky is known to locals as the Milk Carton. Below, you can see why.

Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World designed by Michael Graves.

Humana Building, Louisville, Kentucky designed by Michael Graves.
Public Domain Photo from Wikipedia.

Many futuristic architects designed buildings in my little, old backwoods state of Indiana. The city of Columbus, Indiana is known as the architecture capital of the world. My favorite architect, Michael Graves is from Indiana. Think you don't know anything he's designed? Take a trip to Disney World and check out the Dolphin Hotel. He's also done an office building or two there.

The Dolphin Hotel in Florida. Photo from Wikipedia in public domain.

I stayed in the Dolphin hotel in 1992. Graves designed everything down to the disposable plastic cups which I still have in my curio cabinet today. 

Michael Graves, NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, Indiana.  
Public Domain photo from Wikipedia.

I guess, I'm kind of lucky to live in Indiana- near Columbus and also Chicago. 

Hey, Architecture, remember Chicago? Yep, the old home of the famous Sears Tower (Now the Willis Tower). Completed in 1973, the one-hundred and eight story building was known as the tallest building in the world beating out the former title holder, the Twin Towers in New York City. 

Huh. I just realized I was also lucky enough to tour all of these buildings. And, you were all like- you aren't really an Architecture-o-phile you're just a Mommy blogger. :) Funny, because it took me by surprise too. These Mommy days sure wear on a person, making you think you are only good for cooking, cleaning, and hugging.

So, the Sears or Willis Tower is still the tallest building in the United States, but it is only the seventh (or ninth, depending how you count them) tallest building in the world and no; I haven't visited any of those buildings... yet. 

Click here for a ranking of the Tallest Building in the World per Wikipedia. Although it is always changing, it looks like the city of Dubai has it locked for now. 

What does the future of FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE have in store for us? How tall will they go? To the moon and beyond? I'd go there.

I'm just kidding. The World Trade Center (Twin Towers), the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Sears Tower (Willis Tower, today) were more than tall enough for me. I have NO desire to visit the others. In fact, after waiting in line to squeeze into the tiny elevator of the Sears Tower, I've had major claustrophobia and a tiny bit of Acrophobia. I can still feel the breathtaking view from the Empire State Building. 

More Futuristic Activities: Learn to be an Astronaut

Wanna come look over the edge? No thanks, I'm good let me just climb back into this tiny, killing contraption and get my feet on solid ground.

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Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History: A Guide to Type, Image, Symbol, and Visual Storytelling in the Modern World*















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Disney on Ice World's of Fantasy at Banker's Life Fieldhouse: Tow Mater Steals the Show

Tow Mater Printable Coloring Page

We saw Disney on Ice World's of Fantasy at Banker's Life Fieldhouse last night, and Tow Mater stole the show! At least, that's what my eight-year-old son thought. He grinned from ear to ear astonished at seeing Tow Mater in the flesh. It was truly life coming full circle for us.

Tow Mater Printables

You see, in 2004, I attended Disney on Ice, Monster's Inc. when he was just a bun in the oven. I'd never seen anything like it. I couldn't wait to take him one day. Well, apparently, I waited one or two days too long. He hated  The Little Mermaid, growled through Tinkerbell, and complained Toy Story was boring and for babies. Good thing I brought his 6-year-old sis along. She loved Cars, endured The Little Mermaid, adored Tinkerbell, and giggled through Toy Story.

Phineas and Ferb Printables

When asked, What was your favorite part? My son said, "The only thing good was Tow Mater, he had a real amber light just like on Daddy's plow." And, my daughter said, "The queen looked real and Tinkerbell really looked like Tinkerbell. Here's what I didn't like about Toy Story: the boy's hair looked like plastic, but the girl's hair (you know, Barbie) looked like real."

Maybe, I had too many years to build up my anticipation, but I preferred the magic in the Monster's Inc. version. The Little Mermaid was a beautiful display of skating artistry. In kid speak that spells boring. In fact, the daddy slept through it, but to be fair, he'd only had two hours of sleep the night before. My favorite part was also Tow Mater. Who doesn't love him? Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy hosted. As much as I hate to say it, I think they are has-beens. Please don't tell Mickey, I loved him. He was one of the very first dolls in my collection. I guess it happens to the best of us.

This show catered to the preschoolers and the princesses. Perfect, if you have either. My little, spirited "Princess" sat still all through Tinkerbell.  Now, that was truly magical!

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Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy Coloring Sheet Printable featuring Tow Mater

We've got a fun printable coloring sheet featuring Tow Mater, Tinkerbell, The Little Mermaid, and Woody and Buzz from Toy Story. 

Click the image below for a printable PDF.


Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy is coming to Banker's Life Fieldhouse January 23 - 27, 2013.

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's Cars race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever! From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy!  January 23-27, 2013  at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 

FFA Discount Code for Disney on Ice:

Code:  SAVE4

$4 off all performances (excluding opening night)

Valid on $24 tickets

Valid NOW - Jan. 22, 2013

Limit of 6 tickets

On-Line only

Phineas and Ferb Printables

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Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! – Sunday Nov 4, 2012

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What mom doesn't have the theme song form Phineas and Ferb stuck in her head? I think it was my daughter's first words! One day, she was toddling across the floor and the next, she was shouting, "Mom, Phineas and Ferb are making a title sequence!" Do what now? Well ever since then, I hum about 104 days of summer vacation.

Did you hear the news? "Mom! Phineas and Ferb are going on a live tour!” Join the Danville Tri-State Area Gang for a high-energy ride through their wildest invention yet in Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!  The beloved characters from Disney Channel's animated series embark on a bold escape from the television screen to a live action adventure – right in your hometown! This exciting live stage production performs at BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE in INDIANAPOLIS, NOVEMBER 4, 2012. 

Are you kidding me? I get to hear the song live? I'm on it!


Did you know Phineas and Ferb was created by Emmy Award-winning Dan Povenmire ("Family Guy") and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh ("The Simpsons" and "Rocko's Modern Life"), this stand-out comedy series follows Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, as they set out to optimize every day of their 104-day summer vacation, dreaming the impossible dream -- and then doing it, including building a rollercoaster or a beach in their own backyard.  

Unbeknownst to them, their pet platypus Perry has a double life as suave secret Agent P, deftly battling the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz to save the world.  Meanwhile, older sister Candace is aghast at her brothers' antics and makes it her life's work to tattle on them to Mom and Dad, though somehow she can never seem to catch them red-handed.

Agent P we love you! Perry the Platypus pajamas, t-shirts, toys and the like fill our house. Perry, you are a hero around here. So much so, we've researched putting a pet platypus in our pond. When our cat comes up missing, well the little one knows we don't need to worry- he's off on spy duty.

Guess what! I have the honor of giving you the secret spy code to discount tickets for the Indy show:

 ~Kid’s 2-12 years old only $10 with the CODE: CHILD for 4pm & 7pm performances.      Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Hurry, the secret offer ends Nov 3, 2012.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse (125 South Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN  46204)

Sunday, November 4 – 1:00pm; 4:00pm; 7:00pm

Ticket Prices:  $75.00 / $60.00 / $37.00/ $25.00/$20.00/$15.00
To order tickets by phone:  317-917-2727
Online: www.ticketmaster.com

Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! 

Go to www.PhineasAndFerbLive.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube for more information.

Feld Entertainment has graciously given me tickets to attend the event and share with my readers.

*We never share email or personal information. Third parties may through content and advertising collect information directly from visitors and place or recognize cookie's on visitor's browsers. We are given tickets to attend these events and share our experiences with our readers.

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Favorite Secret Getaway.

A Day In Kokomo at the Glass Factory

Things to do In Indiana: Kokomo,  A One Tank Trip

We visited the Indiana Glass Factory in Kokomo, Indiana. If you're looking for things to do in Indiana, this is a great idea for a field trip or a one tank trip in Indiana. Homeschoolers will enjoy learning a new skill for a possible future trade or art project.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Glass Factory.

Kokomo Opalescent Glass Main Office.

Beehive where they melt the glass.

Table where they roll glass to make panes.

Area where they roll and blow glass.

Sample of their panes of glass.

We got a guided tour of the glass factory. The kids saw it featured on a local news channel over Christmas break and really wanted to go. We all learned many things and we were all surprised to find out where the glass has been placed. One place is the Cinderella Castle at Disney. Apparently, the Kokomo Glass Factory produced all of the glass in the castle. 

Stained Glass at Cinderella's Castle in Disney World. 

The Kokomo Glass Factory has a beautiful shop where you can purchase hand blown hand blown glass items. Visit KOG.COM to see the shop (they ship) and if you live in the Indiana area, stop by and take  the tour. The Indiana Glass Factory makes a great family outing or field trip idea. 

Currently it runs Tues-Fri at 10 am and lasts about an hour. They even offer a class to make glass beads and accents. They also sell glass panes of different sizes and thicknesses if you need some for your home or craft projects.

This is truly a hidden jewel in Indiana.  We never knew about the glass factory until we saw it on the news. The kids loved the tour (which was a surprise) and apparently it was the highlight of everything we had planned over break. 


~ Angie


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Doll Collections: Are you a Crafter? Collector? Or just a plain, old Hoarder?

Collecting Dolls and Crissy Babies

Doing more surfing than crafting for kids lately? After Christmas and year end clearance specials are amazing. We all need to stock up on junk  more craft supplies for the new year. My favorite clearance sale is always the one on Toys and Hobbies. Doll collecting is my downfall. 

I've been collecting dolls since I was born, literally. Here's a picture of the first doll ever given to me, shortly after my birth in...  1969. (collector, collector, collector)

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Doll Collecting Habit

My Grandmother crocheted her a beautiful, new outfit many, many years ago, but I still have her chartreuse and lace dress. (hoarder, hoarder, hoarder)

I also have a jingly, wobbly, Mickey Mouse, baby toy given to me the same year (1969) with perfect tag intact ~ Walt Disney World ~ I think I may have chewed off one of his ears. (Ebay, Ebay, Ebay)

Then, there's Crissy Baby. I never actually owned one as a child but always wanted one. Now, I have several. (collector, collector, collector)  

And Barbie... mostly from garage sales. (dumpster diver, dumpster diver, dumpster diver) The Bubble wig 1960's version.

These girls sit in boxes in my closet sharing space with my most prized possession-  a Dennis Rodman doll with interchangeable heads to showcase his Kool-Aid dyed hair years. That's right, my friends, Dennis Rodman with interchangeable heads.  They even make a Dennis Rodman in Wedding Dress doll.

Here's an old creepy doll that I dressed up and gave a new wig.

Michael Jackson is there too with his glove and Grammy glimmer jacket, but he was born a collectible doll. Even though we attended college together, (yes, you read that right, I took a doll to college) but he isn't my favorite doll.

I mean, you probably know someone else with an MJ, but how many of you know someone with a Dennis Rodman?

Crissy Baby Doll ~ Growing Hair.

Interchangeable heads.

OMG, I didn't realize this doll existed. Want.

Want to make your own Kool-Aid hair dye?

So, when Marie Osmond started designing dolls, I had to have one right up until I found out they were "collectible" and expensive. I don't collect anything considered collectible. In my opinion, that's what separates the collector from the hoarder. It's okay to laugh here.

Who doesn't love them some Donny and Marie?  I'd dumpster dive for a set of Donny and Marie dolls. 

Donny and Marie Osmond Dolls.  Is this TMI?  

Ahem, I'm surfing browsing the Marie dolls when I come across Marie Osmond Crafts.  She sings. She dances. She dolls. She gains weight. She loses weight. She crafts. Love her!  I'll bet she uses bonding tape to hem those doll clothes.

Did I already mention how much I adore these cute Russian dolls? I first saw these at a friend's house and I instantly decided to get a set to add to my collections. It wasn't hard finding these dolls because you can now get them online. I got mine from https://nestingdolls.co/ and they look great!

I just bought a mini-sewing machine for simple craft projects... Forget about Martha Stewart (Sorry, Martha). I wanna be like Marie. If I design some collectible dolls with Kool-Aid dyed hair would you collect them? (hoarder, hoarder, hoarder)

Crissy doll collecting.

This Crissy doll looks a little like my son. Okay, a lot. How weird is that? 


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What's on your Mind? On Liars, Lying: Pinocchio Cartoon

Pinocchio is the cutest little liar: here's a cartoon free printable of him in all of his innocence.

Lying like Pinocchio... that's what's on my mind. Facebook asks, so I will too.  Lying or Creative License. I have been enjoying Facebook for a few years now. It's like peeping into picture windows as you drive by houses at night. Families are watching t.v., eating in the dining room, carving pumpkins, decorating holiday trees and so much more.  It gives you a little sense of how others live. It sometimes makes you feel less than perfect.

Pinocchio Cartoon coloring sheet clip art.

Right click to save image to your computer or Ctrl/P to print.

I have a friend who constantly posts happy thoughts and inspiring quotes.  I hadn't spoken to her in awhile when we finally had a chance to talk in the real world I said, "Wow, I wish I could be as positive as you are these days.  Your posts uplift me."  She chuckled and said, "Me too!  I am going through a lot.  I am so depressed.  I write those to remind me that life isn't so bad.  It gives me hope."  Now, she isn't lying but all this time I felt like she was living some kind of Utopia and I was missing out.  The grass is greener, you know.

And then I have 'friends' (I know all but three of my Facebook friends personally but I have some relatives I've never met or friends I knew long ago and a lot has changed) that post gorgeous family photos, pictures of themselves thin and beautiful, and share details of all the incredible things they do with their kids.  The are so happy, so lucky, and so full of it!

As I make more and more real world connections, I discover the Facebook Facade.  I always assume that if I am telling the truth then so is everyone else.  Why would we fabricate anything when the truth is lurking.  I am loyal to a fault, blunt, and painfully honest.  If you ask me something I will tell you how I feel, truthfully.  Bear in mind, if it is hurtful, you may want to get a second opinion.  I am a straight -shooter the words I spew are strictly my opinions.  Of course, I think they are accurate opinions but I have been known to change them.  I mean no harm.  So, if you want to know how your new hair-style really looks, ask me.  If you want a compliment ask your Facebook friends.

I am so jealous of people on Facebook.  I wish I could be a better Mommy, Wife, Lover, Daughter, Sister, Worker, Christian, Liberal, Democrat, Republican, or Human in general.  I will never be half as good as the people who are as half as good as me but take creative license to their life.  With me, what you see is what you get.

I often open my mouth and insert my foot.  I am not trying to be nasty or passive aggressive.  I am just being open and profoundly naive.  I recently had a conversation (with a person I care about very much)  regarding Facebook photos.  I said, "Can you believe all the fake photos on Facebook? I mean I meet those people and they are old and wrinkly or more than slightly overweight.  It's crazy isn't it?  I mean you and I just post the real 'us'... who would do that?" 

She didn't say anything right away.  In fact, I thought she was ignoring me but I had no idea why.  So I looked away.  And then something surprising happened, "What? You mean you think my photo is the real me?"  "Yes, I have seen it.  It looks just like you."  She chuckled nervously trying to let go of her anxiety.  "Nope, that's not me, I doctored it.  I'd never post the real me."

I could tell she was irritated with me.  I guess because I inadvertently dissed her.  She does look just like her picture no airbrushing needed.  She looks fabulous.  That is my honest opinion.  I didn't mean to accuse her of being dishonest, I had no idea.  Honestly.  Alas, this why many people don't like me.  You love me or you hate me, there is very little in between.  Most who hate me just don't get me.  I love you, I promise, no matter what I say that might seem to the contrary.

Yep, most of my friends aren't as happy as they seem on dear old Facebook.  Most aren't as attractive and even more of them aren't as good.  I'll never measure up but I guess that's okay because it keeps me on my toes.  I am a pretty decent, over-weight, going gray, do-gooder in real life.

Now those blogs...  that is an entirely different story.  I have uncovered some major creative licensing going down.  If it makes for a cute story share it.  If it gets you some extra brownie points or sympathy say it.  I get this from my teenager.  She bends the truth to 'make people happy' more often to make herself look innocent when she wants to complain about a friend and needs an empathetic ear.  We're grown-ups so I tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Me: overweight, over forty, struggling with personal relationships, finances and life in general but always true to myself and others and always 100% authentic.  How do you measure up?

Recommended Reading:

Eli's Lie-O-Meter: A Story about Telling the Truth

A Big Fat Enormous Lie

Articles and Activities for Teens