Rams Readers Spring 2014 discussion
Out of My Mind
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(last edited Apr 24, 2014 10:24PM)
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Apr 24, 2014 10:23PM
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper reminded me of the movie "My Left Foot" which I saw many years ago. Its main character is very similar to Melody because his high intelligence is paired with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, also. Both stories allow us to see and feel the frustration experienced when the mind is fully functional but the physical body has severe limitations. There are characters in this story that judge Melody on her outward appearance. Even when they become aware of her intelligence, they choose not to include her in order to avoid feeling uncomfortable around her or to be encumbered by her. Melody is fortunate to have such a supportive family, neighbor, and personal aide at school that love her, advocate for her, and help her overcome and deal with her disability and the unfairness of life. Melody and her classmates are only in the fifth grade, but there are also adults in the story that need to be educated on how to show respect for people with disabilities. When the Medi-Talker arrives, so much more of the world is opened up for Melody. She now has a way of expressing herself and that lessens her frustration. I liked that she chose to do her biography research on Stephen Hawking. Draper uses the clever analogy of Melody's goldfish jumping out of its bowl and her little sister, Penny, running out of the house on the rainy day. I really liked this book. It is easy to read and can give students who might not have the opportunity to interact with anyone who has a physical disability insight into what those individuals might face each day. At some point in their lives, most students will encounter someone with a disability and having read a story such as this one might give them a place to start to interact with them.
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Reading this book was heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I loved how Melody was supported by her family, Catherine, and Mrs. V. I was glad that Melody was finally able to say what was on her mind when she got the Medi-Talker. I couldn't believe the ignorance of the teachers that Melody had encountered. When Mr. D said the test must have been to easy because Melody got a perfect score I felt like he slapped Melody in the face! I was so mad. Also when the other teacher only went over the alphabet with 4th graders all year I understood why Melody had a fit. I was so angry when the team left her especially with Mr. D. This book is a great insight on how students with disabilities are people too! I think all students should read this book so that they can realize everyone should be treated with respect.
V said: " At some point in their lives, most students will encounter someone with a disability and having read a story such as this one might give them a place to start to interact with them. "I agree with you V. Everyone will encounter someone with a disability. I know that sometimes meeting someone with a disability can be uncomfortable because you do not know how to act but as long as people show them respect and treat them like a person they will be okay.
This book really touched my heart. It made me think of all the times I may have underestimated a child, disability or not. I was so happy for the amazing and supportive people in her life like Mrs. V, a couple of teachers who fought for her, and of course her parents. I was so ANGRY at her peers for the majority of their behavior toward her and especially her teacher who thought she was less than just because she was non-vocal. I come in contact with our communication class (special Ed non-communicative) and this book made me look at them so much differently. It is a must read, especially for those working with kids in general and with these very special children. The most emotional part for me was when Melody's sister was struck by the car and she likened it to her poor fish and again was completely helpless to save something she loves. I could not even imagine.
This book has a lot of meaning and lessons behind Melody's story of struggle. I have a cousin that also has cerebral palsy, but not as extreme as Melody's case, so this book gave me a lot of insight as the the frustrations that he may face on a daily basis. Melody was silent for most of her life, but inside she was incredibly intelligent. I especially love the perspective of the story, being able to get inside of Melody's head to understand all the hidden thoughts and talents. I loved her wonderous ability to see colors when listening to music. This book allows you to put yourself in Melody's shoes and experience her struggles and best of all her triumphs like when she makes the academic team. Everyone kept doubting her, and she continued to pursue on to prove herself to everyone around her. The ending was absolutely tragic, as a reader this is not the ending I wanted. You truly just want Melody to succeed, and it feels like a trap that she cannot get out of. Like Jenna said, helpless. Overall I think there are a lot of great lessons in this book, I think this book would be great to teach tolerance, love, and acceptance. This book is great for adults with special needs children, teachers, and students. I would recommend this book.
Maira wrote: "Reading this book was heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I loved how Melody was supported by her family, Catherine, and Mrs. V. I was glad that Melody was finally able to say what was on h..."I'm glad you brought up the Mr. D Scenario, there are many people like Mr. D out in the world, and it is important to educate the ignorant.
This book also reminded me a lot like wonder, but I feel like it is a book that must be told!! Melody was a child who was born with cerebral palsy, she is unable to speak through but she can make a lot of eye contact to try to speak. She attends school, where the children are mean however some are nice. It is sad to know that this is true but it was interesting to hear a story from a student how they feel without seeing a label on it from the normal day life. This book made you feel what they were feeling, hopefully some students will read this book and make them feel more wanted, and welcome in the daily classroom. This story was often heartbreaking though seeing melody let down repeatedly down in life, but every time she still stayed to herself and stays strong.
Erin wrote: "This book also reminded me a lot like wonder, but I feel like it is a book that must be told!! Melody was a child who was born with cerebral palsy, she is unable to speak through but she can make a..."I agree Erin, I think this book relates really well with Wonder and teaches kindness.
If you go to firsts.com, you can watch a composer who, like Melody, also either sees colors and hears music or hears music and sees colors. He took photos of stained glass, which to him was music already composed, and taught a choir to sing it. There are lots of cool things going on inside other people's brains!
This book was a really good read. I couldn't put it down. I read it out of order from the other books and I would have to say it is one of my favorite books. It made me view special needs students in a different light. It was sad and wonderful paired in one book. This book should be a requirement for every educator to read, it will definitely open the eyes of inclusion educators. As well as those who are not inclusion educators. There is a student at my school who reminded me so much of this book, he is very intelligent but he is special needs. I think often times people who see a student or anyone that is "labeled" special needs, they feel like maybe their brain is handicapped, which a lot of the times is not the case. This books gets an A+
Also 4th grade and up should read this book as well.
Wow, V! I'll have to look that up. How interesting. Thanks for telling us all about what you learned of Hawking too. Melody was so much more than her outward appearance and I cannot imagine living life in a fish bowl as she did.
Another winner!!! Breaks my heart to read about all the trails a young child has to face especially with special needs. But it is definitely an eye opener and should be read by everyone from educators, students, to parents. Melody was an intelligent child who was judged wrongly and was unappreciated. Unfortunately many children who are labeled special needs face those factors before given much of an opportunity to succeed. However, very few of us truly know what all they have to face and their struggles or needs. This book helps us see that they go through much more than they should have to. Wish children didn't feel left out and unwanted, but if more students read this book they could better understand what a child with special needs faces. What may be even worse is when we as educators get tangled up in paperwork and assessments and we forget that each child is special and needs and deserves respect and our love. I am glad there are more and more gadgets and technology equipment to help children with special needs have a more easier life. The Medi-Talker definitely helped change things for Melody and I keep thinking and wondering if I were her teacher how I would react or help her succeed in class. I honestly hope and pray I never get too busy and tied up to forget to help each child feel special and loved regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
With all the downsides to technology, there are so many good things about it, too. Thanks for that point, Diana.
Maira wrote: "Reading this book was heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I loved how Melody was supported by her family, Catherine, and Mrs. V. I was glad that Melody was finally able to say what was on h..."When I began reading this book I was so fascinated by Melody and was hooked immediately. I read most of it from the book I borrowed from you but I found my own copy at my grandson's scholastic book fare and you know what I discovered, it that edition they left out the part about her getting the media-talker and what Mr. D. said about the test being to easy. Now why in the world would this be left out of the newer copy I just bought. Anyway I went back to the borrowed book.
I couldn't believe what Mr. D. said or that other teacher and then I felt guilty because I have assumed so many times in my career and with my daughter that she doesn't know things and this is so wrong. Like I said in class every teacher or anyone working with kids and special needs kids needs to read this boo. I was telling my principal about today and she wants me to pass it on to her when I am finished with it. Guess I going to have to track down one that hasn't left anything out.
Diana wrote: "Another winner!!! Breaks my heart to read about all the trails a young child has to face especially with special needs. But it is definitely an eye opener and should be read by everyone from educat..."I thought it was so cool that Melody wanted to do her report on Stephen Hawking. Does anyone know if this is a true story or not?
Diana wrote: "Another winner!!! Breaks my heart to read about all the trails a young child has to face especially with special needs. But it is definitely an eye opener and should be read by everyone from educat..."I thought it was so cool that Melody wanted to do her report on Stephen Hawking. Does anyone know if this is a true story or not?
Jaime wrote: "This book has a lot of meaning and lessons behind Melody's story of struggle. I have a cousin that also has cerebral palsy, but not as extreme as Melody's case, so this book gave me a lot of insigh..."When I was working as a teacher's assistant working with special needs children, we had a child very much like Melody, she was a great kid, she always smiled but she could not move very much either but she could make sounds. I actually heard one parent make the comment, "Why do they have children like her in school, they will never be able to learn anything, teacher assistants and special ed. teachers are just overpaid babysitters. She made me so mad I wanted to belt her but I didn't of course.
Erin wrote: "This book also reminded me a lot like wonder, but I feel like it is a book that must be told!! Melody was a child who was born with cerebral palsy, she is unable to speak through but she can make a..."When I started reading I thought the same thing. It is similar to Wonder and I believe that is why I enjoyed reading both of these novel.
