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A Smile as Big as the Moon: A Special Education Teacher, His Class, and Their Inspiring Journey Through U.S. Space Camp
by
Mike Kersjes,
Joe Layden (Goodreads Author)
Besides being a football coach at his Michigan High School, Mike Kersjes taught special education classes, dealing with children whose disabilities included Tourette syndrome, Downs Syndrome, dyslexia, eating disorders and a variety of emotional problems.
One autumn Kersjes got the outlandish idea that his students would benefit from going to Space Camp, where, in conjuncti...more
One autumn Kersjes got the outlandish idea that his students would benefit from going to Space Camp, where, in conjuncti...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
February 6th 2003
by St. Martin's Griffin
(first published February 23rd 2002)
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“Remember — don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. It may take a lot of hard work on your part, but if you’re willing to make the sacrifices, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.”
In 1989, Mike Kersjes and his teaching partner, Robynn McKinney, got the idea to send their class of special education students to Space Camp — an opportunity generally reserved for the best and brightest students. After overcoming initial obstacles, fundraising struggles, personal trials, and opposition from with...more
In 1989, Mike Kersjes and his teaching partner, Robynn McKinney, got the idea to send their class of special education students to Space Camp — an opportunity generally reserved for the best and brightest students. After overcoming initial obstacles, fundraising struggles, personal trials, and opposition from with...more
Was a very enjoyable story. This book was about a Special Education Teacher and his students. The good and the bad was shown in this book. We see that with the right opportunities, and with just a little patience and help, children are able to accomplish amazing things. These children, who had myriad problems, were able to go to Space Camp (camp for highly intelligent kids) and were able to have fun, participate and learn. This book will inform and bring you warm feelings. The children showed th...more
The book was very heartwarming. A group of special education students who did the unthinkable and succeeded as they were the first special ed students who went to space camp. I cheered on their successes and cried with their disappointments. A teacher who went through challenges to get his class to space camp. He prepared them to the best of his ability and then stepped back to allow his students to shine.
It is a book for anyone who works with special need students should read. There is somethin...more
It is a book for anyone who works with special need students should read. There is somethin...more
Feel good true story about a group of special education high school kids who go to space camp. The book is written by the teacher who helped make it all possible. It goes to show that given the right opportunities and help ALL children are capable of doing amazing things. Before this particular group of children went to space camp it was reserved for honors/gifted type, rich kids. These kids were able not only to go, but they were competitive right along with the gifted kids! A real triumph of u...more
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Nov 15, 2009
Nicholas
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Teachers (esp. special education teachers), future astronauts
An interesting look into the challenges facing special education students and teachers today. These students had a variety of mental and social challenges and it was very interesting to learn what all of these people went through on their journey.
Absolutely amazing! Everyone needs to read this book in order to see special education students as individuals and not lumped together under the same umbrella. I also really liked how honest Kersjes was about his feelings/expectations.
If I had to choose one book to share with teachers... it would be this true story. Makes you believe in the endless possibilities that can happen when kids are simply believed in and given the opportunity to soar.
I saw the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie before I read this book, and I was still touched and moved knowign what would happen. This is a heartwarming story of a special education teacher who proved that space camp is for everyone.
Such a great book! I loved how well Kersjes characterizes special needs students. I laughed out loud and nearly cried while reading this book.
I got this book as the "Book Award" from the Department of Special Education when I got my Master's from TCNJ. It's awesome!
Mike is part of my extended family, and his charisma is just as inspiring today as he appears in this book. I loved it!
Weak writing, but a story that every teacher should encounter.
I loved it, parts of it reminded me of moments in elementary school. Read the book first, then see the movie.
A truly inspirational story!!!! What perserverance :)
Jan 14, 2010
Carrie Pirmann
added it
education
I love this book - being that I am a Special Education teacher, it really touched my heart!!
Very nice and inspiring story. I watched the Hallmark movie but the book goes into to more detail and I enjoyed reading it. Very fast read.
An inspiring tale...brought more to life since I just graduated from Space Camp myself, and I grew up in Huntsville. Catch the movie if you are not a reader.
As a big sister to a younger sister with Downs Syndrome, it is refreshing to read about one of the unique teachers of special ed. It is inspiring, it is a call to "shoot for the moon," and it reads easily and smoothly. A lot better than the TV version of the same story. It is good to know that special ed made a positive impact on the development of Space Camp.
SO great. A fabulous story that cheers for the underdogs! Makes me love working in special ed! It's a story about a high school special ed teacher who tries to get his kids into Space Camp that's typically for "gifted and talented" kids. A really quick and feel good read.
view 2 comments
this was a FABULOUS special ed story - so up my alley! this teacher worked to get his special ed kids to go to NASA space camp against all types of stupid people. i laughed out loud, shed some tears, smiled dorky smiles and just loved it!!!
Great book! A must read for all teachers! Really a great view point and insight on special education students. Book and movie are very close in comparison and both are incredible and inspiring.
What a great book!!! I'm recommending this to all of my teaching friends! Very uplifting, and offered a different way to think about our students.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very inspiring! It provides a fresh perspective to the world of "special education" and the possibilities.
Oct 01, 2007
Kristen
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
teachers, people who want a feel-good, pull for the underdogs kind of read
Good book--I related as a former teacher, but enjoyed it just as a person. The story is great to follow--it will be a good movie someday.
Nov 19, 2007
Jocelyn Friedman
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those in special education or those in human services
I really enjoyed this book and would suggest it for those who want an uplifting story to inspire!
It was a really inspirational story. So good.
An inspiring read.
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