LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Read about the experience of a teen who survived a brain tumor; identify challenges and benefits involved in speaking up for yourself in health-related situations; distinguish facts from myths about brain tumors.
HEALTH ED STANDARDS
NHES 8: Demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal health.
CASEL: Self-management; relationship skills
KEY VOCAB
tremors
paralysis
occupational therapy
infiltrating
Lesson Plan: My Life With a Brain Tumor
Can you imagine life with a mass growing inside your skull? Maria Ruiz, 17, lived through that experience. Here’s what she learned.
PREPARING TO READ
Before you read the article “My Life With . . . a Brain Tumor” ask your students the following pre-reading question:
Why is it both challenging and beneficial to speak up for yourself in health-related situations?
READING AND DISCUSSION
BUILDING COMPREHENSION AND VOCAB
Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:
EXPANDING SEL OPPORTUNITIES
Continue the learning journey with the following writing prompt:
In this activity, have students write a half- to one-page LETTER TO MARIA. They should start by explaining that they enjoyed reading “My Life With... a Brain Tumor” in this month’s Scholastic Choices magazine. From there, they should thank Maria for sharing her story—and tell her what they learned from her about advocating for their own health. Note: Forward your class’s responses to jyabroff@scholastic.com, and the Choices editorial team will make sure that Maria receives them!
