This document provides information and materials for a classroom to participate in Shades of Fun, a CNIB initiative held in May to promote vision health awareness and raise funds. It includes tips for eye health, classroom activities about vision loss, and fundraising ideas. Teachers can use the materials to educate students about protecting their vision while raising money for CNIB services that help Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

1. Your CNIB coach:
Phone #:
Email:
31 days.
31 ways to better vision health.
YOUR CLASSROOM ACTION KIT
MAY 2012
We’re here to help! Feel free to get in touch any time.
www.ShadesOfFun.ca

2. 1Shades of Fun | May 2012
About Shades of Fun
Protect your eyes. Support CNIB. Have fun!
May is Vision Health Month across Canada. To celebrate, CNIB is holding Shades
of Fun, a month-long initiative that promotes vision health awareness and raises funds
for services that support people who are blind or partially sighted, right in your
own community.
Join thousands of teachers and students from coast to coast by taking part in this
fun educational event that teaches kids about protecting their vision – and helps
Canadians with vision loss lead the lives they want.
#1 Designate a day to share
Shades of Fun with your students.
Here’S HOw YOur ClASS CAn get inVOlVed
Taking part is easy – there’s no prep work involved.
All your students need is a pair of shades and
a little creativity.
1) Choose a day to have your students wear
sunglasses to class.
2) Help them learn about vision health with the fun
in-class info and activities provided in this kit.
3) Raise money for the vital rehabilitation services
that help Canadians who are blind or partially
sighted lead independent lives.
4) Submit your fundraised dollars online, by phone
or by using the enclosed form.

3. 2Shades of Fun | May 2012
31 ways to change the future
wHAt’S in tHiS kit?
• Page 3: simple tips for taking care of your vision
• Page 4-5: engaging in-class activities to educate your
students about vision health and challenge
misconceptions about vision loss
• Page 6: activity zone that you can photocopy
• Pages 7: a quick list of common eye conditions
• Pages 8-10: tips and ideas to put the “fun” in fundraising!
• Back: a poster to motivate your students to
achieve their fundraising goals
#2 Learn more about CNIB and
how you can help.
About
Seeing beyond vision loss.
For more than 90 years, CniB has been helping Canadians who are blind or partially
sighted see beyond the challenges of vision loss – ensuring they have the support they
need to lead full, active lives.
the funds you raise for Shades of Fun will help CniB:
• give children who are blind or partially
sighted the building blocks for learning.
• help people with visions loss learn to
get around their homes or city by
themselves, by bus, subway or on foot.
• prepare teens with vision loss for
rewarding careers and independent
adult lives.
• ensure adults who are blind and partially
sighted have the technology and skills
they need to succeed in the workforce.
• support seniors to live independently
and safely at home as they adjust to
age-related vision loss.
• give Canadians of all ages the emotional
and practical support they need to
overcome the challenges of vision loss.

4. 3Shades of Fun | May 2012
Why Shades?
Tips for taking care of your eyes!
#3 Be cool at school: Wear your
shades to class and learn more about
vision health.
#4 Protect your eyes all year round:
Wear your shades while outdoors every
day, no matter what the season. Sunshine
isn’t just around in the summer – you’re
always at risk from ultraviolet (UV) rays
and glare. UV exposure isn’t good for
your eyes; it can increase your risk of
developing cataracts (a clouding of
the lens that causes blurred vision) and
age-related macular degeneration, the
leading cause of vision loss in Canada.
#5 Avoid glare: Bright reflections
off shiny surfaces like snow, vehicles or
buildings can cause discomfort as your
pupils contract, your eyelids narrow and
the muscles around your eyes constrict
as you squint. Besides being painful, glare
can also be a distraction when playing
sports or driving. Reflected ultraviolet
light can also enter the eye and may be
harmful to the eye, slip on some shades
and stay safe.
#6 Try before you buy: Quality
sunglasses will help protect your eyes from
damage. Check that they offer 99 or 100
per cent UVA and UVB protection. (They
should say so on the label. Often they will
just say UV400. This means the same thing.
If you’re not sure, just ask.) They should be
dark enough to reduce glare. To check,
try them on in front of a mirror. If you can
see your eyes, they’re not dark enough
to block glare. And if you already wear
glasses, remember – they might help you
see better, but they don’t offer glare or
UV protection. Clip-on shades that fit your
glasses can offer the protection you need.
#7 When it comes to shades, bigger is
definitely better: Lenses should be large
enough to block light entering from the
sides. Sports models that wrap all the way
around the temples are ideal. A hat with
a wide brim can help block sunlight from
overhead.
#8 You’re never too young to protect
your eyes: Sunglasses on little kids aren’t
just cute – they help keep their eyes safe. If
your baby sister isn’t wearing shades, she
might be at risk of eye damage. Tell your
parents that a good pair of sunglasses is
important for children of all ages.

5. 4Shades of Fun | May 2012
In-Class Activities
Try the following activities in
your classroom
#9 Learn more about vision health
and vision loss in Canada with these fun
classroom activities.
Challenge misConCePtions
Split your students into five groups.
Give each group a name from this
list of individuals who are challenging
misconceptions about what it means to
be blind or partially sighted. Have them
research the name, then share what
they’ve learned with the class. (You
can also use some of the names in the
“Famous people” quiz on page 6.)
• erik Weihenmayer (first person with
vision loss to climb Mount Everest)
• lucas Murray (boy who is blind that
“sees” with sound)
• Marla runyan (runner with vision loss)
• esref Armagan (famed painter who is
blind)
• Brian Mckeever (Canadian skier with
vision loss)
#10 Learn how people have overcome
vision problems to achieve amazing things.
#11 Think about what it would feel like
to be blind or partially sighted.
BrAinStOrM ideAS ABOut
vision loss and Prevention
Divide your class into groups, and have
each group brainstorm on one of the
following questions, writing down answers
on a large piece of paper. After 10
minutes, have each group present their
results to the class, which can lead to
more discussion.
• What can we do to take care of our
eyes and prevent vision loss?
• Have you ever met anyone with vision
loss? How do you think their life is different
from ours? How is it the same?
• Do you know of any famous people
with vision loss? How have they
overcome their vision challenges?
• What would life be like if you couldn’t
see? How would life be different? How
would it be the same? What challenges
would you face?
• What would travelling be like with vision
loss? Are there other ways to experience a
place than just with your eyes? Think about
what it would be like to take a trip if you
were blind. What would going to a new
friend’s house be like? Disney World?
The beach? Other places you’ve been?
• What do you think school would be like
if you couldn’t see?

6. 5Shades of Fun | May 2012
More In-Class Activities
#12 Get a taste of how a person
who’s blind or partially sighted might
experience the world.
COMMuniCAte witH BrAille
Visit cnib.ca/en/living/braille and print
out copies of the braille alphabet,
then have students figure out how to
write their names in braille. Place all
the names in a hat and have each
student draw a slip of paper and figure
out whose name they have. Remind
students that people who are blind or
partially sighted would read raised dots
with their fingers.
#13 Learn more about Annie Sullivan
(Helen Keller’s teacher) and the things
she achieved.
wAtCH “tHe MirACle wOrker”
Show your class this inspiring film about
Annie Sullivan, the tireless teacher
who had vision loss herself and helped
Helen Keller learn to communicate and
connect with the world around her.
#14 Have fun and boost awareness
by decorating your own sunglasses.
deCOrAte SOMe CrAzY SHAdeS
Spend an afternoon decorating
sunglasses with glitter, ribbons, stickers,
pipe cleaners and other craft items.
Talk about how important it is to protect
your eyes from the sun, then have a
fun fashion show featuring everyone’s
amazing creations.
#15 Know the facts about vision loss
and vision health.
SHAre tHeSe FACtS witH YOur ClASS
• Researchers estimate that more than
one million Canadians are blind or
partially sighted.
• Eye doctors recommend wearing
sunglasses with at least 99 per cent
UV protection to avoid sun damage.
• 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable
or treatable.
• Only 45 per cent of people with vision
loss have graduated from high school.
However, 87 per cent of all adult
Canadians (aged 25 to 64) have
graduated from high school.
• More than three million Canadians
(roughly 10 per cent of the population)
are unable to read print because of a
disability such as blindness or partial
sight. However, less than 5 per cent of
published material in Canada is
available in multiple formats.

7. 6Shades of Fun | May 2012
Shades of Fun
ACTIVITY ZONE!
#16 Learn about people who have changed the
way the world sees vision loss.
Famous PeoPle
Can you match the names to the correct descriptions?
#1 I’m the famous Grammy-winning singer, songwriter
and record producer who wrote “Ebony and Ivory”
and “Isn’t She Lovely,” among other tunes. I lost my
sight as a child, but that didn’t stop me from having
my first hit when I was only 13!
#2 Identify an everyday hero you know who has
overcome the challenge of vision loss. What have
they achieved? What makes them unique?
#3 I’m a marathon runner, and I was the first legally
blind athlete to compete in the Olympics Games.
#4 I lost my vision and hearing when I was a baby,
but it didn’t stop me from becoming a famous
author, lecturer and activist.
#5 My system of raised dots enabled blind people like
me to read and write for the first time in history.
#6 I am the founder of French impressionist painting.
Late in my career, I started to go blind. However,
even though my eyes kept getting worse, I never
stopped painting. When I was almost completely
blind, I created one of my most famous pieces of
work – my murals of water lilies.
Hellen
Keller
Maria
Runyan
Louis
Braille
Claude
Monet
Stevie
Wonder
For more fun activities and info,
visit www.shadesoffun.ca/kidzone

8. 7Shades of Fun | May 2012
Eye Conditions#17 Know your eye conditions – catching them
early can prevent vision loss.
Having a little trouble focusing on the board? You might be nearsighted. Maybe you’ve
noticed that your parents need reading glasses? It means their eyes are aging, which
can be annoying, but it’s completely normal. Has an older member of your family
undergone eye surgery? They may have had cataracts removed so they can see better.
Here’s a quick guide to a few common eye conditions. It’s a great way to stay on top
of your own eye health – and everyone else’s, too!
Diabetic retinopathy
People who have diabetes are at risk of developing vision problems.
The best way for them to prevent vision loss or blindness is with
regular eye check-ups, and by properly caring for their diabetes.
(AMD) Age-related macular degeneration
AMD, the leading cause of vision loss in Canada, is an eye condition
that usually affects people over 50 and gets worse over time. It attacks
central vision so people with AMD may no longer be able to read, drive
or see the faces of loved ones. Lots of information exists about preventing
the disease and promising new treatments are on the horizon.
Cataracts
Lenses naturally harden with age, becoming cloudy. This can block
light from reaching the retina, interfering with vision. A milky film over
the eyes may indicate a cataract. This can occur in humans and
animals. For most people surgery is an effective solution, a surgeon
can replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of vision loss in seniors.
The optic nerve usually gets damaged because of high pressure
inside the eye caused by fluid. Over time, people with glaucoma lose
their peripheral (side) vision. If it isn’t treated, it can lead to “tunnel”
vision or result in vision loss.
Want to know more? You’ll find details on these and other eye conditions
at cnib.ca. It’s a great resource for information about everything from
vision issues to treatments to support services.

9. Shades of Fun | May 2012
8
Raise Funds, Have FUN!
Great ideas for helping a great cause
in addition to the suggested $2 donation per student, there are lots
of ways for your class to raise money for CniB during Shades of Fun.
We’ve given you a few ideas, but if you need more suggestions, contact
your CNIB coach (whose name and contact info can be found on the
front of this kit), call the CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642 or drop us a
line at info@cnib.ca. We’re happy to support your fundraising activities
in any way we can.
FUN FUNDRAISERS!
#18 Collect coins: A coin drive is a
simple, effective way to raise money. If
every student brings in a toonie, you’re well
on your way to a successful fundraiser.
#19 Ditch the uniform for a cause:
If your school has a dress code, have
students make a donation to CNIB for
a uniform-free day.
#20 Give them a BIG incentive:
Motivate your students with a big reward
for reaching a specific fundraising goal.
Offer up a trip to a fun local destination,
a special guest for the school or a silly
day where the teachers dress like kids
and students can dress like their
favourite teacher.
#21 Hold a wacky shades contest:
From giant clown sunglasses to vintage
‘50s rhinestone shades, have your students
show off their funkiest glasses for a chance
to win a prize. Entry into the contest can
be $1 or less, and the prize could be $5
for the winning pair.
There are great classroom
incentives available for raising
$50 and $100, so set your
fundraising goals! Stay
tuned for details about
some fun prizes!

10. Shades of Fun | May 2012
9
We’ll be happy to support your
fundraising activities in any
way we can!
MORE FUN F UNDRAISERS!
#22 Have a crazy shades fashion show:
Invite parents and the community to see
your students’ crazy sunglasses and charge
$1 or $2 for admission to the show. See if
you can get a parent or someone in the
community to donate a pair of designer
sunglasses, and raffle or auction them as
part of the show.
#23 Show your talent and raise funds:
Sing, dance and showcase student (and
teacher) skills with a school-wide talent
show, karaoke contest or battle of the
bands. Have performers wear shades
onstage, and invite parents, friends and
the community for an evening of fun.
Charge a small admission fee, offer
baked goods and refreshments for
sale, and you’ve got a great fundraiser
on your hands!
#24 Organize a used book sale:
Ask parents to send in used books for
children and young adults, and host a
book sale that students can browse
at recess and lunchtime. Or make it a
bigger event – collect books throughout
the year, and have one blowout sale on
a Saturday in May.
#25 Bake up a classic fundraiser:
There’s nothing quite like a platter of fresh
cupcakes and cookies to get people in
the spirit to support a great cause. Ask for
donations from the school’s best bakers,
and let the kids enjoy some home-baked
treats at lunchtime on a designated day.
#26 Host a school barbecue or
pizza day: Another failsafe fundraiser:
host a pizza lunch or a school picnic,
and invite parents to join their kids.
TOP FUNDRAISING TIPS
• Nominate student leaders to
organize your fundraisers.
• Advertise your fundraising events
on the morning announcements,
in parent newsletters and on your
school website.
• Hold your fundraisers in the cafeteria
at lunchtime to generate support.

11. Shades of Fun | May 2012
10
DID YOU KNOW?
the funds you raise for CniB during Shades of Fun will support
people who are blind or partially sighted right in your own
community. whether you raise $50 or $5,000, every dollar
makes a difference!
#27 Have a garage sale: Ask students
to bring in unwanted items from home
and set up a sale in the gym or out in the
schoolyard. Invite the community or keep
it students only – it’s up to you.
#28 Shhh. It’s a silent auction:
Designate a theme for each classroom,
and have each one create a basket –
each child can bring in one or two items
that fit the theme. Some ideas: hot and
spicy foods, chocolate, stuff for coffee
lovers, art supplies, baby items, etc. Each
basket can then be auctioned off to raise
funds for CNIB during Shades of Fun!
#29 Take a walk for CNIB: Organize
a walk-a-thon to raise money for CNIB
during Shades of Fun. Have participants
wear their shades as they walk!
#30 Dance the night away in support of
vision health: Organize a dance with a great
band or DJ. Offer special prizes to students
who show up wearing a pair of shades.
Host a contest that awards coolest shades,
wackiest pair, best vintage specs, etc.
#31 Fun fair for funds: Get out the face
paints, rent a jumpy castle, set up some
games, rent some kid-size sumo wrestler
costumes – and you’ve got the makings of
a great day that can raise lots of money
for CNIB. Provide tickets for each activity,
sell pizza, and even incorporate other
fundraisers like the silent auction and the
bake sale to really boost income.
Want to know more?
Check out shadesoffun.ca for more online
activities. to learn more about vision health
month events in your area, visit cnib.ca
or call our Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
Charitable registration number: 119219459 rr 0003

12. $Go for it! Think BIG!
Have your class set a fundraising goal and decide how you’ll reward
yourselves if you reach it (e.g. pizza party, a lesson outside, move a
test to a later date, etc.). Then fill in the blanks below and hang this
motivational poster in your classroom to encourage your students!
Our Shades of Fun
fundraising goal is:
When we reach our goal we will:
You can do it!