Clear up the misconceptions about autism and individuals on the autism spectrum with an inquiry-based instructional activity. As ninth graders read the first four pages of Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior, they focus on essential literacy skills and close-reading techniques.

Concepts

guided inquiry, autism, central ideas, textual analysis, supporting details, main ideas, social skills

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lesson during a focus on empathy and accepting others
• Incorporate into a unit about reading informational texts
• Encourage learners to journal about what they already know about autism and the autism spectrum or about how animals have helped them during a stressful time

Classroom Considerations

• The lessons only cover the first chapter in the book; consider assigning the whole book to older or more advanced readers
• Be sure to instill a supportive classroom community for discussing sensitive topics
• The first of 10 lessons in a three-unit module

Pros

• Incorporates literary analysis skills into a thoughtful discussion
• Aligned to Common Core reading standards
• Focuses on a short amount of text to ensure understanding for all reading levels

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.9-10.2 RI.9-10.4