Product Overview
The Miracle Worker: A Communications Breakthrough
Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller were both amazing people. Sharing their story with your students will give them a new perspective on disabilities.
Ordering Books for The Miracle Worker by William Gibson
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for The Miracle Worker now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
|  |
About the Play The Miracle Worker |
The play begins with the arrival of Anne Sullivan at the Keller household. Hired as a teacher for the young Helen, Sullivan faces an immediate challenge. Helen, rendered deaf and blind by an illness as a baby, is uncontrollable and isolated from the world around her. Sullivan's task is daunting, but she is determined to unlock Helen's potential. Sullivan's methods are unconventional and met with resistance from Helen's family. They are accustomed to indulging Helen, out of pity and hopelessness. However, Sullivan believes in discipline and persistence. Her struggle to impose order and gain Helen's trust forms the core of the play's tension. The climax of the play arrives when Helen finally understands the concept of language. In a powerful scene at the water pump, Sullivan spells "W-A-T-E-R" into Helen's hand as water flows over it. Helen's breakthrough moment is nothing short of miraculous, symbolizing the opening of a new world.
|
Themes in the play The Miracle Worker |
Perseverance and Determination: The play underscores the importance of perseverance and determination. Both Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller embody these traits, showing that relentless effort can overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles. This theme is a valuable lesson for students, encouraging them to persist through their own challenges. Communication and Connection: At its heart, The Miracle Worker is about the power of communication. Sullivan's ability to teach Helen how to communicate not only changes Helen's life but also transforms the Keller family. This theme offers a compelling discussion point for students about the importance of language and connection in their lives. Overcoming Adversity: Helen Keller's story is a testament to overcoming adversity. Despite her severe disabilities, she achieves what many thought impossible. This theme can inspire students to reflect on their own challenges and consider how they can overcome them with courage and support.
|
Activity Ideas for the play The Miracle Worker |
Dramatic Readings: One engaging activity is to have students perform dramatic readings of key scenes. This helps them understand the characters' emotions and motivations while improving their public speaking skills. Choose pivotal moments, such as Helen's breakthrough at the water pump, to focus on. Character Analysis: Divide students into groups and assign each group a character to analyze. Encourage them to explore the character's motivations, challenges, and development throughout the play. This can culminate in presentations or essays that deepen their appreciation of the narrative. Historical Context Research: Have students research the historical context of the play. They can look into the life of the real Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, the social attitudes towards disabilities during that time, and find out what Helen Keller did with the rest of her life. Sign Language: Have your students learn the basic letters in sign language. This tactile activity will help them understand a little better what Helen had to learn.
|
Customer Service
- We guarantee you'll have the best customer service experience ever with Teacher's Pet Publications.
- We are here to help make things as easy as possible for you!
- Your information is secure. We don't keep your card number on file anywhere, and we don't sell, rent, or give away your personal information.
- We treat you as we would like to be treated as a customer!
- Need help? Have questions? We're always happy to assist you! Contact Us
