Joseph Machado – “Never Too Young to Make a Difference”
By inspiredKiD
A few years ago, Joseph Machado was a kid who did what many other boys his age did – he played sports and rode his bike. But then he got some sports injuries, and he had to be in a wheelchair for over a year. Although it was temporary, Joseph’s wheelchair experience made a lasting impression on his heart. He realized that he wanted to help disabled kids.
Joseph decided that he would raise money for disabled kids by cycling across America! In the summer of 2010, Joseph rode from California to Washington, D.C. in just over a month. And through his sponsors, Joseph raised $30,000 for his worthy cause! This video tells all about Joseph and his ride across America.
Additional Resources:
- Check out Joseph’s website.
- Here is an article about Joseph and his incredible ride.
Topics for Discussion:
- Have you ever needed a wheelchair, crutches, or other physical aid? How did it make you feel at the time?
- What qualities does Joseph have that helped him complete his ride?
- Being in a wheelchair made Joseph realize how hard it is to be disabled. Have you ever had an experience that made you appreciate another’s struggles?
Take Action:
- Think of something you like doing and try to raise money for a worthy cause doing it!
- Check out the Kids 4 Change website to learn about other ways to volunteer!
Teacher Features:
- Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
- Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.
