Grade 3 is presently conducting a reading workshop unit on social issues. These classes have been reading picture books which address a variety of social problems. “The goal was to consider the main character in Emmanuel’s Dream and how belonging to a particular group in society affected his opportunity to succeed in life,” Ms. Amanda Crespo says.
The book tells the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a child born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, who was dismissed by most people but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. “In Emmanuel’s case, the students identified that race, socioeconomic status, nationality and ability closed doors for him early on in life,” this teacher remarks. “Kids are loving this unit and they have proven that they are capable of having mature, deep discussions about real world issues,” proudly describes Ms. Crespo.