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Guide

All-Community Read Guide: Being Heumann and Rolling Warrior

This planning guide will support your school community as you read the memoir of Judy Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history.

Last Updated: September 14, 2022

Guide

Language

English — US

Subject

English & Language Arts

Culture & Identity
Equity & Inclusion

Use this guide to plan and engage in an All-Community Read of Judy Heumann’s memoirs Being Heumann and its young adult counterpart, Rolling Warrior.

It includes activities and discussion questions designed to spark critical thinking and conversations about issues of identity, belonging, choices, and justice as you read and discuss Judy Heumann’s life as a disability rights activist.

Picture of ACR guide cover.

All-Community Read Guide: Being Heumann and Rolling Warrior

Date of Publication: November 2022

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Activity

Students consider what parts of our identities we choose for ourselves and what parts are chosen for us, as well as the impact our names can have on our identities.

A student in conversation with a peer outside of the photograph is in the center of the photo. Another student looks at a laptop.

Activity

Students examine the tensions that can arise when we must navigate multiple, and sometimes conflicting, identities.

A student writes on a piece of paper with a pencil while holding a handout in their other hand.

Activity

Students read a personal narrative and reflect on the relationship between storytelling and identity development.

A stack of papers with Michelle Obama's "Becoming" on top.

Activity

Students explore the idea of “community” in order to identify its key aspects and deeper meaning.

Students sit around a table working on a big paper activity while receiving feedback from an educator.

Activity

Students explore the factors that make up a community.

A silhouette of the Chicago City Skyline at sunrise.

Activity

Students practice sharing what they are feeling while building empathy for their classmates.

A student looks down at their paper with a pen in hand. A smiling emoji is in the foreground.

Activity

Students engage with an intriguing image that lacks context or a title, drawing on their close viewing and analysis skills.

Assorted images of the outdoors organized in a grid on a beige wooden table.

Activity

Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.

Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.

Activity

Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.

Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.

Activity

Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.

Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.

Activity

Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.

Student writes in a classroom

Activity

Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.

A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.

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