We’re all a little different from one another – in our personalities; our skills and talents; our fears and challenges; our looks… 

In 2010 we worked to gain a better understanding of special needs and the different challenges that some people face. 

In 2011 we looked at gender, and the need for equality and respect for boys & girls, women and men. 

In 2012 the focus was ‘generations,’ and activities included genealogy, generations’ day and a poetry competition. 

In 2013 the school looked at ‘Biodiversity.’  We worked with visitors from Birds Ireland, Marine Dimensions and Green Bee Education. 

For ‘Diversity Week 2014’ the school’s focus was on communication. 

In 2015 we again focused on gender and in 2017 we focused on the UN’s global goals for sustainable development. 

For ‘Diversity Week 2019’ (our eighth such event) we return to the theme of special needs (and learning differences.)              Our aim: to improve understanding of one aspect of diversity, while learning how to show respect, empathy and friendship.             We also aim to ‘activate equality through positive action:’ the event will culminate in a campaign rally & march by the children within the grounds of the school.

Suggested activities:

1. Diversity Week stories/literature  (Choose two or three per classroom.)  (A short reading guide/prompt card can be found inside the front cover of all books.) 

Nathan’s Wish (Cerebral Palsy)

Tru Confessions (Intellectual Disability/developmental delay)

My Name is Brain Brian (Dyslexia)

Mary Marony and the Snake (Speech impediment/stammer)

The Hard Life of Seymour E Newton (learning difficulty)

Yolanda’s Genius (Autism; Giftedness)

Hank Zipper: The World’s Greatest Underachiever (low test scores)

The Bus People (muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, orthopaedic disability, intellectual disability)

Whittington (learning difficulties)

Joey Pigza Loses Control (ADHD)

Joey Pigza swallowed the key (ADHD)

Of Mice and Aliens (Asperger’s)

Bird Boy (Mutism) 

Adam’s Alternative Sports Day (Asperger’s)

Zipper (ADHD)

The Double Digit Club (Blindness)

Crow Boy (Autism)

Susan Laughs (wheelchair user) 

Trevor, Trevor (Autism) 

Knots on a counting rope (Blindness)

Mandy (Deafness)

Sarah’s Sleepover (Blindness)

A.D.D. not B.A.D (ADHD)

Thank you, Mr Falker (reading difficulties)

The Alphabet War (Dyslexia)

It’s Called Dyslexia (Dyslexia)

Big Mama (Wheelchair User)

Harry and Willy and Carrothead (prosthetic arm)

Be Good to Eddie Lee (Down Syndrome)

Willy the Wimp (overcoming perceived weaknesses)

Ben, King of the River (developmental disability) 

Keeping Up with Roo (intellectual disability/developmental delay) 

Looking after Louis [Big Book] (Autism)

• Prepare placards and/or banner and/or chants and/or speeches for rally on Friday 17^th May.                      

Theme:  “respect, empathy and friendship for children with special needs (and learning differences.)”