Introduction to the Helen Keller Lesson:

Life's obstacles. We all face them: some with triumph, some with defeat. Those who have overcome their personal mountains are an encouragement to us all. If we see someone else who does not let any prejudice, disability, or limitation get in their way, how much more of an encouragement is that to us not to let any obstacles get in our own way. There have been many overcomers in this world; in fact, we Alabamians had one grow up in our own backyard. Helen Keller was a woman who defied all the odds. Soon after she was born she was struck with an illness that left her both deaf and blind. Living in a world of darkness, Helen Keller was lost. Not being able to see, hear, or communicate with others led her to become a lonesome and eventually violent little girl who understood little about love, and even less about the dark world she lived in. When Helen was six years old, spoiled rotten and virtually uncontrollable, Anne Sullivan, twenty years old and recovering from blindness herself, was brought to Helen Keller's home to become her teacher. Miraculously, Miss Sullivan was able to penetrate into Helen's world and to introduce her to something that no one else could: words. It turned out that Helen was a remarkably brilliant child, and she learned hundreds of words and their meanings within a few short months. Anne Sullivan taught her not only to communicate, but also good manners and how to interact with others as well. Helen grew up to accomplish the impossible with Anne almost always at her side. She learned to read, write, speak, and even went to college. Anyone who studies Helen Keller's life will see that nothing is too difficult to overcome if you set your mind to it.

This lesson will teach students a little about the life of this great woman as well as how to appreciate those who face disabilities similar to what Helen faced.

Lesson 1: Helen Keller: In a World of Darkness
Lesson 2: Helen Keller: A Life of Triumph

This teaching unit was created by Tracy Maness as a class project for History of Alabama, University of North Alabama, May 1, 1998.