Rich Olson

RDG 507

Summary of the Book:

Jim Abbott, a product of a small town in Michigan, had a huge dream! He wanted to
pitch in the Major Leagues. One small problemhe was born without a right hand. He made up
his mind in his early teenage years to not let this small problem derail his dreams. He set a goal
and with the support of his friends and family, never stopped believing he could achieve his
dream. His determination, hard work, perseverance and determination sparked him at every level
of baseball. And, as fate would have it, he pitched in the Major Leagues for 10 years!
It was not an easy road though. At every level of competition, he had to prove himself
due to everyone he encountered thinking he was either a joke, a public relations ploy, or
someone that was just going to waste their time. High school baseball, college baseball at
Michigan, Team USA, and even at the Major League level, no one believed Jim Abbott was for
real. The key: Jim Abbott truly BELIEVED in Jim Abbott.
"It's not the disability that defines you; Its how you deal with the challenges the
disability presents you with. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the
disability.
~ Jim Abbott

Grade Level: 7th-12th Grades

Literacy Strategy: Exit Slip (Modified)
Objective: Students write a short, single response to a series of questions provided by the
teacher. This exercise is intended to:
1. To recap what the lesson taught them
2. Allow students to reflect on their perceptions of their real or perceived physical
limitations.
3. To write them down in their journal for future reference as a motivational tool.
Reference:
Allen, J. (2004). Tools for teaching content literacy. Portland, Me.: Stenhouse Publishers.
Literary Uses: Jim Abbotts story/book could be used in an English class, a sports/Physical
Education setting while discussing inspirational athletes/physical ability, or talking about
obstacles that students have to overcome to achieve their goals.

Exit slip response:

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________