20 Inspiring Helen Keller Activities For Elementary Learners

Helen Keller was a remarkable woman who overcame many challenges in her life and became an inspiration to many. Her story is an excellent opportunity to teach children about perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit. In this article, we will provide a list of 20 engaging Helen Keller activities for children of all ages. These activities range from hands-on crafts to educational games and will help kids learn about Helen Keller’s life and accomplishments in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent or are simply looking for ways to inspire children, this list will provide you with plenty of ideas to choose from!

1. Helen Keller Word Search

Children search for words related to Helen Keller and her life, such as “Braille”, “Deaf”, and “Blind”. This activity helps children learn new vocabulary and understand the challenges Helen faced.

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2. Sensory Experience Walk

Blindfolding children and having them navigate a set course can give them a glimpse into what life was like for Helen Keller without sight or hearing. This activity helps children understand the importance of sensory awareness and empathy.

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3. Sign Language Practice

Teach children basic sign language and have them practice communicating with each other. This activity helps children learn about different forms of communication and can also foster teamwork and cooperation.

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4. Braille Writing

Introduce children to Braille writing and have them practice writing letters and simple words. This activity helps children understand the importance of Braille for people with visual impairments and can also help with fine motor skills development.

Learn More: Paths to Literacy

5. Storytelling with Dolls

Provide dolls of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan and have children act out scenes from their stories. This activity helps children understand the relationship between Helen and Annie and the role Annie played in helping Helen learn and communicate.

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6. Letter Writing Activity

Have children write a letter to Helen Keller or Annie Sullivan, imagining what they would say to these remarkable ladies. This activity helps children understand the importance of communication and promotes creativity and writing skills.

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7. Timeline Creation

Help children create a timeline of Helen Keller’s life, including important events and milestones. This activity helps learners understand the events and accomplishments of Helen Keller’s life and promotes organization and critical thinking skills.

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8. Book Club Discussion

Read one of Helen Keller’s books and have a book club discussion to discuss its themes and messages. This activity helps children understand Helen’s writing and the important messages she conveyed.

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9. A-Z Challenge

Have children come up with words related to Helen Keller for each letter of the alphabet? This activity will help them learn about Helen Keller’s life and, at the same time, promotes critical thinking skills.

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10. Making a Sensory Box

Create a sensory box for children to explore, just like Helen Keller did when she was learning about the world. This activity helps students understand the role of the senses in learning and can also promote creativity and imagination.

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11. Helen Keller Trivia

Create a trivia game about Helen Keller and her life. This activity helps children learn about Helen Keller’s life and accomplishments, and also promotes critical thinking and recall skills.

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12. Water Play Activity

Reenact Helen Keller’s famous “water scene” from the movie, “The Miracle Worker”. This activity helps children understand the significance of this scene and the role it played in Helen’s learning and communication.

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13. Sight Word Game

Create a game where children have to guess objects using only their sense of touch; similar to how Helen Keller learned about the world. This activity helps children understand the importance of touch and other senses and can also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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14. Interview with a Purpose

Have your students interview a person who is blind, deaf, or has a disability. The activity helps learners understand the experiences of people with disabilities and promotes empathy and understanding.

Learn More: Anchor Center for Blind Children

15. Art Project: Hands and Flowers

Have children create a painting or drawing of Helen Keller holding a flower; symbolizing her connection with nature. This activity helps children understand the importance of nature in Helen’s life and also promotes artistic expression.

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16. Performances of “The Miracle Worker”

Encourage children to perform “The Miracle Worker” to showcase their understanding of Helen Keller’s story. This activity helps children understand the significance of play and also promotes creativity and teamwork.

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17. Memory Game

Create a memory game that teaches children about important events and people in Helen Keller’s life. The game can be played by matching cards with information about Helen’s life, such as dates and events. This activity promotes memory retention and critical thinking skills.

Learn More: National Institute for the Deaf

18. Story Mapping

Have children create a visual representation of the events in Helen Keller’s life by drawing or using images. This activity helps children understand the timeline of Helen’s life and also promotes creativity and organization skills.

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19. Helen Keller Charades

Encourage children to act out important events and imitate people from Helen Keller’s life through a game of charades. This activity promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, as well as gives students an understanding of Helen’s life and legacy.