https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5 This text set is to be engaged with by students in grade Kindergarten - 2nd grade. Students will engage in critical literacies and use technological multi-modalities to enhance their understanding of what it means to be exceptional. Students will takeaway an understanding of what it means to be exceptional and, they will learn about different adults and children who have helped their communities. The students will understand that there are little things that we all do that make each and every one of us exceptional. en-us 2020-11-21 17:23:39 UTC 2025-10-12 11:54:09 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f98b.png gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948398099 1. What does exceptional mean?
2. What does it mean for a person to be exceptional?
3. What characteristics describe exceptional people?
4. What actions do people take that make them exceptional?]]> 2020-11-21 17:51:15 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948398099 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948399675

What do all exceptional children have in common?

How do exceptional children make a difference?

]]> 2020-11-21 17:52:33 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948399675 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948400897 1. Who are some of the exceptional people in our world?
2. How do exceptional people help others?
3. How do people help their communities?
4. What do exceptional people have in common?]]> 2020-11-21 17:53:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948400897 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948402102 1. How can we be exceptional?
2. What can we do to make a difference?
3. What makes YOU exceptional?

]]> 2020-11-21 17:54:23 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948402102 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948409257 The Lorax is a story about the Lorax who "speaks for the trees". This book is a exemplifies that ideal that someone can make a difference if they care and try to make a difference. "Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better it's not".]]> 2020-11-21 18:00:02 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948409257 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948444548 This book gives multiple examples of the simple everyday courageous acts that we make each day. This book shows that exceptional courage can be found in both the grandest and smallest of acts.]]> 2020-11-21 18:27:20 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948444548 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948445416 Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds is a great book about the power of saying something in any way that you can. Using your voice to stick up for what you believe in or to share an idea are two ways that people can be exceptional. Communication of ideas is one of the paramount ideals of being exceptional.]]> 2020-11-21 18:27:58 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948445416 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948446303 This book shows what it is like to march for what you believe in. Marching for what you believe in is a way to create change and to stand up for what you believe in. This book gives the readers an idea of what can be done to change an injustice.]]> 2020-11-21 18:28:36 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948446303 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948447854 This book highlights the differences of people. This text will introduce students to the idea that our differences are out strengths and what make us exceptional. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:29:56 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948447854 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948473230 This text shares the story of William Kamkwamba who learned how to harness the wind and turn it into electricity for his village. This text shows that children are capable of tremendous things and can bring tremendous change to their communities. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:50:31 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948473230 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948474280 This book tells the true and exceptional story of Malala Yousafzai. Her story shows true adversity and her dedication shows just how exceptional she is. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:51:22 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948474280 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948475061 Ruby Bridges embodies what it means to be exceptional and to deal with adversity. This historical text highlights her perseverance and strength. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:52:02 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948475061 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948475803 Emmanuel's Dream is the true story about a young boy with one leg. He faces much adversity in his life and is truly exceptional. This story is about a disabled person who embodies what it means to persevere. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:52:38 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948475803 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948477293 This book is a fictionalized tale based on Greta Thunberg's drive for environmental reform. This book highlights the power of one person standing up for what is right especially for things like the environment which can't speak for itself. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:53:56 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948477293 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948478355 This nonfiction text details how kids are changing the world. This book shows real kids who are making a difference in the world and are being extraordinary. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:54:53 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948478355 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948479202 This book tells the story of Temple Grandin. A truly exceptional woman who persevered through her struggles to achieve great things in her life. Her exceptional ideas and strength make-way for an inspiring story. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:55:39 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948479202 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948480384 This is a story about Jane Gooddall. One of the most exceptional biologists of the modern era. Her drive and compassion for primates makes her exceptional.]]> 2020-11-21 18:56:41 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948480384 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948480882 This text highlights the life and studies of Eugenie Clark. This book highlights how one person's exceptional passion can influence the study of animals for years to come. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:57:07 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948480882 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948481476 This book is about MLK Jr. and the big words that he shared during his lifetime. This man is exceptionally kind and stood up for his beliefs in the grandest of ways. This text introduces students to racism and social justice. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:57:40 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948481476 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948481926 This book shares the stories of 13 exceptional American women. This text shows that women can be exceptional in may different ways. Students can use this text as a jumping off point to learn more about a specific exceptional woman who inspires them.]]> 2020-11-21 18:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948481926 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948482736 This book is powerful and enlightening. It shows the many different qualities that we each possess. This book shows just how important it is to be yourself and how important it is to recognize the greatness that is inside of us all. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:58:45 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948482736 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948483494 This book is empowering and helps children believe in the power of being themselves. Being exceptionally you starts with believing in yourself and the power and importance of who you are. ]]> 2020-11-21 18:59:26 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948483494 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948484284 Molly Lou Melon gives great examples of speaking up for yourself no matter the circumstance. A part of being exceptional is believing in yourself and standing up for those beliefs. This book does a nice job of highlighting these ideals. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:00:09 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948484284 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948484896 This book highlights the character trait of perseverance. Exceptional people persevere to achieve their goals and through hard times. This book helps students to understand how to "grow" their perseverance spot. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948484896 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948485388 This book shares affirmations with students that they can use to remind them how to be exceptional and to believe in themselves. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:01:09 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948485388 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948486260 This book tells young readers that they should speak up for themselves and for things that they believe in. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:01:56 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948486260 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948487653 Because by Mo Willems is a story about all of the little things that going into making something happen. This book really shows that even little acts can be seen as exceptional when they are all put together to create something impactful and beautiful.]]> 2020-11-21 19:03:09 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948487653 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948494628 This video is a great call to action to students. It encourages every person to believe in themselves and to make a positive difference in the world.]]> 2020-11-21 19:09:25 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948494628 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948497064 Kid President is a positive light for many people. In this pep talk, he talks about how everyone can be awesome (exceptional). This video will be our kick-off to the unit of exceptional people. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:11:37 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948497064 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948499221 This little boy talks about creating his own business. This Ted Talk shows that young people even children, can do great things. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:13:34 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948499221 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948503516 This video highlights Alex and her lemonade stand. It is a powerful video that details just how exceptional Alex was and the power of children who want to make a change.]]> 2020-11-21 19:17:07 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948503516 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948508804 This video gives an overview of what inequality and social justice are. This video will be coupled with Martin's Big Words to give a full picture of what MLK Jr. was fighting for. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:21:40 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948508804 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948510320 This is a song written by Raffi for Greta imploring people to care about the world. This song is empowering and the video shows people peacefully demonstrating. This video shows the importance and the power of standing up for things that matter. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:23:04 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948510320 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948518439 This video highlights the Black Lives Matter movement. This movement was everywhere during the COVID-19 pandemic and Elmo and his father explain why people are so upset and what they are doing because of their beliefs. This is a great age appropriate video detailing what protests are and why they are happening.]]> 2020-11-21 19:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948518439 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948519754 This video is included because it shows how everyday people can be heroes and exceptional. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, everyday people are showing just how truly exceptional they are.]]> 2020-11-21 19:31:35 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948519754 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948521551 This is an inspiring interview with Jane Gooddall on how kids can make a difference and believe in their dreams. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:33:05 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948521551 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948522659 This song is a great way for young learners to engage with the idea of speaking up for what they believe in and what they know is right. ]]> 2020-11-21 19:34:02 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948522659 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948556182 This poem is fitting for being exceptionally you. Following that little voice that we all have inside and following what you know to be right, is how to be exceptionally YOU!]]> 2020-11-21 20:01:37 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948556182 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948561384 This poem puts into words the importance of being yourself & being exceptionally YOU!]]> 2020-11-21 20:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948561384 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948583701 This text gives more information and quick facts about MLK Jr. He is an iconic figure in social justice and a man who is known for being exceptional.]]> 2020-11-21 20:25:02 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948583701 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948750943 This book shows children the power that they do hold. It encourages students to believe in each-others differences and to stand up for what is right. ]]> 2020-11-21 23:14:18 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/948750943 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950111034 1. The students will revisit their FlipGrid that we created during our first subtopic. The students will record their answers for what they think it means to be exceptional. As a final call to action, the students will record themselves describing how they are exceptional and what they are doing each day to make a difference.
 
2.The students will create a character X-ray about themselves. This will serve as a final nod to the characteristics that make each and every person unique. The students will then reconvene in small groups and talk about the ways that they are each uniquely exceptional. 

3.Students will work in small groups to create their own "pep talk" mirroring the kind of uplifting and positive pep talk that they heard from Kid President. The topic of their pep talk will be being exceptionally you and standing up for what you believe in. The students will be able to brainstorm together and create a script and later video to share their ideas. The pep talk can be focused on overcoming adversities, believing in yourself, standing up for what you believe in or any other idea within the theme of being exceptionally YOU!]]> 2020-11-22 17:58:31 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950111034 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950486930 1. The students will each make a FlipGrid before starting this unit on what they think exceptional means. This will be shared with parents and then revisited at the end of the unit. This task could be taken further by asking parents to join into the flip grid and include what they think it means to be an exceptional person.

2. The students will engage with the word courage. Being exceptional takes courage. The students will each create a drawing of how they are courageous in their everyday life. These images will then be hung up around the classroom and the students will walk around to each image and meet together as a group to discuss all of the ways that their classmates are courageous. 

3.The students will engage with the first supplemental text (affirmations). The students will be asked to say this affirmation to themselves daily. After a few weeks of speaking their affirmations, the students will engage in a group discussion about how they feel when they are saying their affirmation.]]> 2020-11-22 22:22:33 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950486930 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950493494 1. The students will choose an exceptional child to focus on. They will write a letter, compose a piece of artwork or send a video message to their selected person. In this message they will ask questions and share their thoughts and ideas about what they have done. 

2.The students will engage in deep thought about ways that they have helped their communities. The students will draw and label pictures detailing how they have helped the community. These images will then be shared via Padlet where the students can then comment and view how other children have impacted their community.

3. The students will become active in their community. The students will decide as a class, three different injustices or problems that are occurring in the school or community. They will then bring these three ideas to all other classrooms in their grade level and have them vote on what they think the most pressing issue is. Next, the students will be split into groups based on what they think the next steps of action should be. Each group will then make a video about what they think their next steps should be to make a difference in the local community. The other classrooms will receive this video message and then vote on the final solution. Once the next steps are decided upon, the students will work together to follow them. ]]> 2020-11-22 22:28:39 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950493494 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950503423 This link takes the reader to the Kid's Corner on Alex's Lemonade Stand website. Here there are few articles that would interest students such as: How Kids are Helping Kids, How to Have a Lemonade Stand and, How to Host a Virtual Lemonade Stand.]]> 2020-11-22 22:37:08 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950503423 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950507134 This article is written for parents but could be a great way to spark discussion amongst a class about how they can take action to make a difference in their world. ]]> 2020-11-22 22:40:49 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950507134 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950512368 This blog post is all about Malala and even offers additional books and videos by and about Malala. ]]> 2020-11-22 22:45:52 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950512368 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950516886 This book tells the true story of Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. This book shows how an exceptional athlete needed an exceptional friend to help stand up to discrimination.]]> 2020-11-22 22:49:49 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950516886 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950519593 This article is all about Jackie Robinson and is suitable for students. Students will learn more about Jackie Robinson from this article to pair with the book Teammates. ]]> 2020-11-22 22:52:23 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950519593 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950522735 1. The students will select an exceptional woman from the She Persisted book. The students will then create a cultural X-Ray for the woman of their choosing. The students will then form small groups around their choices and discuss their exceptional woman. Finally, small groups will share out what they deem to be the most important information about their woman of choice. 

2.The students will chose one of the exceptional people that they have learned about and in small groups they will brainstorm different words to describe their person. Then, each group will share out to the entire class. The class will then have an anchor chart with powerful words to describe exceptional people. 

3.The students will engage with the video from Jane Gooddall. In her video, she tells children that her mother told her to believe in her dreams. The students will make a class FlipGrid and tell about their big dreams that they have and how they think they may get there. The students will then draw and label pictures to show their big dreams and their ideas on how they will achieve them.]]> 2020-11-22 22:55:24 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950522735 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950526764 This list of affirmations will help students to gain confidence. Choosing an affirmation to stick with can have lasting impacts on children and will help them realize just how exceptional they are. ]]> 2020-11-22 22:59:01 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950526764 gkrzykowski3 https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950531124 This excerpt from Merriam Webster defines the term exceptional. Students will grapple with what this means as they head into the next two subtopics. ]]> 2020-11-22 23:03:34 UTC https://padlet.com/gkrzykowski3/hy2itbkubculg2q5/wish/950531124