EPIC | Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum
Honoring the life and legacy of Indiana native and great Carl Erskine, Special Olympics Indiana is proud to partner with award-winning filmmaker Ted Green in developing the Erskine Personal Impact Curriculum (EPIC), presented by Duke Energy — a set of educational materials for elementary, middle, and high school students released in August 2022 in conjunction with Ted’s film, The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story. These unique classroom materials build upon the success of our Unified Champion Schools® and Champions Together initiatives to promote learning for every age level, and give educators an impactful way to teach themes inspired by Carl’s life stories of inclusion, belonging, and leadership.
EPIC classroom materials complement your school’s curriculum and make connections to Indiana Department of Education Academic Standards. The flexible lesson design and activities provide ready-to-use lesson plans and opportunities for differentiated instruction. EPIC materials are available to Indiana educators at no cost through generous donations by our partners.
Bring EPIC Books To Your School
The Parallel? Written by Carl Erskine
Includes stories, discussion questions and activity challenges designed to illustrate the parallels between the struggle for racial equity and quest for inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. 40 pages Suggested for grades 7-12 ISBN: 979 8 9863985 0 1 Library of Congress: HM 831. E 77E65 2022
Wanna Play? Written by Molly Tischler
Tells how Erskine became lifelong friends with Johnny Wilson, then Jackie Robinson. Also, learn the story of how Carl compares his World Series ring and son Jimmy’s Special Olympics medal. 32 pages Suggested for grades 1 3 ISBN: 979 8 9863985 0 1 Library of Congress: HM831. E77 E65 2022
Playing for Change Written by Kelly Brown
Reveals how Carl endeared himself to Jackie Robinson simply by being kind to Jackie’s wife and child. Meet Mrs. Lamey’s poodles, who taught the Erskines something new about their son , Jimmy. <br /> 32 pages<br /> Suggested for grades 4-6 <br /> ISBN: 979 8 9863985 1 8 <br /> Library of Congress: GV861. L87 B76 2022
Sample Lesson Plans
In this lesson, students will recognize and celebrate their differences and diversity within their classroom community by creating a classroom tree to display.Additionally, they will discuss the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.
Grades K-3
In this lesson, students learn about what it means to belong and how to include others. Students will identify similarities and differences between themselves and a partner but understand how they are still part of the same community.
Grades 3-5
In this lesson, students will compare inclusive and prejudicial behaviors. Additionally, students will identify how they can be positive toward their peers and utilize inclusive behaviors.
Grades 6-8
In this lesson, students learn why it is important to have personal values. Students will identify a list of core values and discuss how to bring these values into their everyday life and communities.
Grades 9-12Hear what educators have to say about EPIC:
EPIC Partners
