Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Her parents were Arthur Keller, who was a captain in the Confederate Army, and Kate Adams Keller, a homemaker and social activist. Helen’s early life was like any other child’s until she was 19 months old. Then, something very sad happened. She got sick with an illness, probably scarlet fever or meningitis, which made her both blind and deaf. This meant she couldn’t see or hear anything, which made her feel very alone and frustrated. Since she couldn’t tell anyone what she needed, she often got upset and had tantrums.
Helen’s parents were worried about her, so they asked for help from Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. He suggested they take Helen to the Perkins Institution for the Blind. There, Helen met Anne Sullivan, a teacher who couldn’t see very well herself. Anne saw that Helen was smart and started teaching her in fun and creative ways. She was patient and kind, which helped Helen calm down and learn to behave better.
Anne Sullivan taught Helen how to read and write by drawing letters on her palms. This opened up a whole new world for Helen. She loved learning and did very well at the Perkins School for the Blind. When she was 16, she got into Radcliffe College, becoming the first deaf-blind person to go to college. At 22, Helen wrote her autobiography, The Story of My Life, where she talked about her early life and the challenges she faced. In 1904, she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
After college, Helen became a strong advocate for people with disabilities and women’s rights. She traveled around the world, giving inspiring speeches and fighting for equal opportunities for everyone. Helen showed that even big challenges can be overcome. She also wrote many books and essays, sharing her thoughts and experiences. Some of her famous works include The World I Live In and Out of the Dark.
In her later years, Helen continued to work hard to help people with disabilities all over the world. She co-founded Helen Keller International, an organization that works to prevent blindness and malnutrition. Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 1, 1968, at the age of 87. Her life is a lasting inspiration, showing us that with determination and self-belief, we can overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world.
Helen Keller’s amazing journey from feeling alone to becoming a famous author and advocate is a powerful example of the human spirit. Her story continues to inspire people everywhere, encouraging us to dream big and work towards a more inclusive world.
Letter Drawing Activity: Just like Anne Sullivan taught Helen Keller by drawing letters on her palm, you can try this with a friend or family member. Take turns drawing letters on each other’s palms and guess what they are. This will help you understand how Helen learned to communicate. Afterward, discuss how it felt to communicate without seeing or hearing.
Exploring the Senses: Helen Keller couldn’t see or hear, so she used her other senses to understand the world. Try closing your eyes and listening carefully to the sounds around you for a few minutes. Then, try to identify different objects by touch alone. Write down what you discover and share your experience with the class. How did using your other senses help you understand your surroundings?
Inspirational Stories: Helen Keller’s story is one of overcoming challenges. Think about a challenge you have faced or someone you know has faced. Write a short story or draw a picture about how you or that person overcame the challenge. Share your story with the class and discuss what you learned from the experience.
