Pedro's Whale / Edition 1

by Paula Kluth

Overview

SAVE when you order the guide and the illustrated children's story together!

Based on the real-life event that inspired Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwarz's bestselling "Just Give Him the Whale!," this simple but powerful story introduces educators to one of the best, most effective inclusion strategies: using students' fascinations to help them learn.

Pedro, a young boy who loves whales more than anything, is heartbroken when he's told to put away his favorite toy whale on the first day of school. But then Pedro's teacher discovers the secret to helping him do his best work: not only giving him his whale, but also incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. Soon, Pedro's whale is helping all the children learn, as the teacher works whales into math lessons, storytime, simple science experiments, and more! Pedro's whale helps him make friends, too, as the other children start to share his special interest.

An ideal teaching tool, Pedro's Whale will inspire educators to harness their students' natural motivations. The engaging, full-color illustrations (by Justin Canha, a gifted artist on the autism spectrum) also make this book perfect for storytime, so all children can increase their sensitivity to peers with special needs and learning differences.

Everyone who reads Pedro's Whale will remember its eye-opening message: when you work with instead of against what students love, they feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. Used in tandem with "Just Give Him the Whale!," this enlightening story will help teachers maximize inclusion and ensure that students with and without disabilities reach their full potential.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598571608
Publisher:	Brookes Publishing
Publication date:	09/01/2010
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	670,551
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Paula Kluth, Ph.D., is one of today’s most popular and respected experts on autism and inclusive education. Through her work as an independent consultant and the high-energy presentations she gives to professionals across the country, Dr. Kluth helps educators and families create responsive,
engaging schooling experiences for students with disabilities and their peers, too. An internationally respected scholar and author, Dr. Kluth has written or cowritten several books for Paul H.
Brookes Publishing Co., including “You’re Going to Love This Kid!”: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom, Second Edition (2010); Pedro’s Whale (2010); From Tutor Scripts to Talking Sticks:
100 Ways to Differentiate Instruction in Kâ?“12 Classrooms (2010); “A Is for All Aboard!” (2010); “A Land
We Can Share”: Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism (2008); and “Just Give Him the Whale!”: 20
Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (2008).

Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D., is Professor of Diversity in Learning & Teaching for National-Louis University, Chicago. A dynamic author and motivational speaker, Dr. Schwarz is also Chief-Executive Officer of Creative Culture Consulting, LL. His books From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive Classrooms (Heinemann, 2007; and "Just Give Him the Whale!": 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (2008) have inspired teachers nationwide to reconceptualize inclusion in ways that help all children. Dr. Schwarz's professional focus is furthering education and services that promote the status of individuals with a range of support needs. He works to facilitate successful engagement in carious environments, allowing people to make contributions and develop experiences that are meaningful to them.

Editorial Reviews

"Paula Kluth has done it again! With humanity and humor, Paula uses this true-life story to remind us to honor and celebrate every student's passions."

Seeing the Charade: What We Need to Do and Undo to Make Friendships Happen" - Carol Tashie

"A perfect companion to Just Give Him the Whale! . . . makes the concepts readily accessible to children, and provides practical how-to ideas for educators, professionals, parents, and caregivers."

Vice President, Asperger's Association of New England; Director, Autism National Committee - Phil Schwarz

"One simple, beautiful book . . . Endless new ideas! Paula's suggestions should be used in every elementary school classroom."

President, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome - Susan J. Moreno

"In a pedagogical sense, Paula's writings speak to all readers on several levels. She tackles education through her creative and positive energy."

Jenn Seybert

"A wonderful story . . . so helpful and inspiring to children and adults alike. It helps us all imagine new worlds of possibility [and] provides a concrete vision for how children with autism and limited interests can have a place alongside their peers."

Occupational Therapist, Pasadena, CA - Susan L. Spitzer

"This book entertains and teaches a whale of a lesson: When any child has an unusual interest, the smart teacher who accepts and encourages that interest will open academic and social doors for that child and his classmates as well."

Adult with Asperger Syndrome, author and inspiration for the movie, Mozart and The Whale - Jerry Newport

"A gift for all children whose deep interests and passions are misunderstood, or even dismissed. It clearly communicates the imperative that 'to advance the mind, we must nurture and energize the spirit."

Director, Childhood Communication Services; Adjunct Professor, Center for the Study of Human Development, Brown Universi - Barry M. Prizant

"A much-needed contemporary parable about turning a problem into a positive, illustrating practical ways in which a student's 'narrow' interest can be directed into expansive activities that benefit the entire class."

author, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew - Ellen Notbohm

"Brilliant in its simplicity, Paula Kluth's enchanting book shares a powerful message for adults and children alike. We are reminded of the extraordinary opportunities we have in ordinary moments to promote a sense of belonging, comfort, and well-being."

Professor and Coordinator, Graduate Program in Inclusive Early Childhood Education, Montclair State University - Elizabeth J. Erwin

"When I first heard Pedro's Whale, I cried because that's how inclusion should be and how often, it is not. I'm going to buy it for my school."

parent of a child with autism - Carolyn Hyman

"A testament to creative parents and educators who spark the imaginations of children. Pedro shows us that by using our passions we become both teachers and learners."

parent of child with autism; former Chair, Autism Society of America Government Relations Committee - Catriona Johnson

"Enlightening . . . turns our negative views of childhood obsessions around. Just give every teacher, parent, professional, or child you know this book!"

parent of a child with autism; Founder, The Christopher and Susan Gust Foundation - Susan Gust

"A wonderful story that helps children and adults understand the extreme attachment to a special interest that are common in individuals on the autism spectrum"

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