Vikki's New Adventure

It was August, and school was back in session. Vikki couldn't wait to see her friends and learn exciting new things in 5th grade. But this year, she had an extra spark in her heart—she wanted to try something new.

Vikki's school offered many clubs: chess, gardening, and even theater. But none of them felt quite right. She didn't enjoy chess, knew little about gardening, and wasn't fond of  acting!

What Vikki loved most was making friends and helping others. She dreamed of a club that could allow her to do this.

With determination in her eyes, Vikki set out to create the perfect club—a place where everyone could belong

The Inclusion Investigators

One sunny lunchtime, Vikki and her best friends gathered around their favorite table. They were bubbling with excitement.

"Let's start a club!" Vikki exclaimed. "A club that helps everyone feel happy and included at school."

Her friends nodded eagerly. "Yes! We can be the Inclusion Investigators!"

And so, the club was born.

The Inclusion Investigators had a big mission: to make sure every student felt welcomed and loved at school just like they did. They planned fun activities, helped classmates who needed a little extra support, and made sure no one felt left out.

With their hearts full of kindness and their minds full of ideas, the Inclusion Investigators set out to make their school the best place for everyone.

The Case of the Lonely Library

The next day, Vikki gathered the Inclusion Investigators for their first official meeting.

"I've noticed something," Vikki began. "There's a new girl in our class named Emma. She's blind and can't read books like we do. A teacher reads to her, but when we go to the library, there's no one to help her enjoy the stories."

Her friends listened carefully, their faces filled with concern.

"We have our first mission," Max said. "We need to help Emma feel happy in the library."

The team brainstormed ideas. They could read books aloud to Emma, describe the pictures, and even find audio books that Emma Could listen to.

Together, they were determined to make the library a place where Emma could enjoy stories just like everyone else. 

FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education                                   

After speaking with Mrs. Smith, the librarian, the Inclusion Investigators came up with a plan to help Emma enjoy the library.

The very same day, they saw Emma sitting quietly in the library, her fingers gently tracing the raised dots of braille on her favorite book as she listened to the story through her headphones.. A smile spread across her face as she listened to the story of her beloved princess.

For the first time, Emma felt truly included in the magic of reading. Her heart was full of joy.

The Case of the Missing Friend

At the next meeting of the Inclusion Investigators, the team gathered around the table, ready for their mission. But today, something was different. Vikki, usually full of energy, sat quietly, looking very concerned.

"What's wrong, Vikki?" asked her best friend, Max.

Vikki sighed. "It's Liam. He's been going to a different room for some of his favorite lessons because he can't read as well as the others. He's missing his friends and wants to learn with everyone else."

The team exchanged worried glances. They knew they had to help Liam feel included.

"Let's put on our thinking caps and come up with a plan!" suggested Maya.

Together, the Inclusion Investigators brainstormed ideas.

The next morning, Vikki and her friends rushed to Mr. Lowry's classroom, their minds buzzing with an idea.

"Mr. Lowry," Vikki began, "we were thinking... what if we become Liam's reading buddies? We could read together in a group, so he doesn't have to go to a different room. That way, he can stay with us and learn alongside everyone else."

Mr. Lowry's eyes lit up. "What a wonderful idea!" he exclaimed. "Let's make it happen."

Later, they approached Liam with the plan. "Liam," Vikki asked gently, "would you like to join our reading group and stay in the classroom with us?"

Liam's face broke into a wide grin. "I'd love that!" he said,

his voice filled with excitement.

And just like that, Liam became part of the Inclusion Investigators club too!

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment

The Case of the Language Learner 

The next challenge was a big one. Vikki and the Inclusion Club weren't sure how to help Yara, a new student who’d just come from Mexico. Yara didn't know any English yet, and she felt shy and sad. She couldn’t understand the teacher, so she couldn’t join in classroom activities—and at recess, she always played alone because she couldn’t follow the other children’s conversations.

Vikki didn’t speak Spanish, so she did what most brave friends do—she looked for someone who did.

Mrs. Diaz, the school’s friendly English teacher, always made everyone feel special. One day, Vikki shared a concern: “Yara is new here, and she doesn’t speak English yet. She feels lonely and lost.”

Mrs. Diaz smiled and said, “Don’t worry—we’ll help Yara learn.”

With Mrs. Diaz’s care and Yara’s parents’ support, they created a special plan just for her. This special plan gave Yara extra English lessons and helpers to support her in class.

As the year went on, Yara worked hard. She practiced speaking, reading, and making friends. By the end of the school year, Yara was the most popular girl in her grade—and she’d earned all A’s!

Yara beamed with pride. Thanks to kind teachers, friends like Vikki, and her own dedication, she found her voice—and her confidence.

IEP: Individualized Education Plan

Sams New Ideas

The school year was flying by, and the Inclusion Investigators had been busy helping lots of students—and making lots of new friends!

During fall break, Vikki went to the park and met a new boy named Sam. Sam was 7 years old, super smart, and full of big ideas. But Sam told Vikki that school felt really hard sometimes. Even though he had amazing thoughts, he didn’t always understand what the teacher was saying. And that made him feel shy about speaking up in class.

Vikki didn’t know Sam very well, but their moms were friends. So later that day, Vikki talked to her mom about what Sam had shared.

Her mom listened carefully. “Sam’s mom thinks he might have something called dyslexia,” she said gently. “That just means his brain learns in a different way. He’s still just as smart—he just needs a little help.”

The next day at the park, Vikki’s mom and Sam’s mom had a long chat. And the very next week at school, Vikki saw something new—Sam was sitting with the school counselor! They were filling out some papers and having a kind, quiet conversation.

After that day, things started to change.

Sam began to raise his hand more in class. He shared his creative ideas with confidence. One afternoon, Vikki asked him how he was feeling.

“I’m doing great!” Sam smiled. “The teachers and counselor are helping me learn in a way that makes sense for me. And guess what—I joined the STEM club! I even showed them my idea for a new coding game!”

Vikki beamed. Sam had found his voice—and the Inclusion Investigators had made another new friend.

Appropriate Evaluation

Vikki and the Inclusion Investigators: A Holiday Surprise

Vikki and the Inclusion Investigators were so excited—more and more students were joining their club every week! Everyone loved being part of a group that helped others and made sure no one ever felt left out.

Soon, Christmas was coming, and the whole school was full of cheer. Vikki had a special idea.
“Let’s have a Christmas party for all our club members and their families!” she said.

The Inclusion Investigators got to work right away. They made invitations, planned fun games, wrapped little presents, and made sure there were yummy snacks for everyone.