Book ReviewMelody is brilliant. She has a photographic memory, scores higher than most of her classmates on tests, enjoys studying in her free time, and has a better vocabulary than most adults she knows. She also can't walk or talk because she has cerebral palsy. This realistic fiction novel by Sharon Draper challenges readers of every age to consider what is behind the facade created by disabilities. Melody's pink wheelchair, erratic body movements and inability to communicate traditionally, are hurdles her beautiful mind and spirit learn to leap. Sharon Draper's first person narrative creates an intimate, funny, painful, eye-opening look into Melody's world. Middle school readers will connect immediately to the diary-like style and balanced focus on issues such as bullying and academic pressure to achieve. Through Melody's words, we realize she faces the same struggles other kids her age face. This novel welcomes discussion about empathy, intelligence, and the power of words. The winner of the Josette Frank Award and a NYT bestseller, Out of My Mind is highly recommended.
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Melody, the protagonist in Out of my Mind, lives with cerebral palsy. Like Mackenzie, she is physically affected by the disease while her cognitive (mental) abilities are unaffected.
Write 3 things you learned after watching the story. Write 2 Questions you have after watching. Write one personal connection you have to this story or its theme. (or write one new opinion formed as a result of the story) |
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10:13
Poetry
"Finding his Identity" by Callum Burnham
You look at him you see a chair something tells you to just stand and stare but the funny thing is you don't even care about the small innocent kid that's just sitting there the same kid that doesn't want to be in a crowd just because he's too afraid to speak out loud But who are they to say what he can and can't feel because they can't say that his feelings aren't real Same feelings that he just can't defeat Oh what is the point if I can not beat this stupid condition that weakens my feet And these sobs and cries is tiny streams washing away his unfinished dreams Cause his foolish thoughts just tell him to think the very thoughts that make his heart sink but if he ignores the mind and listens to the soul Things that tell him he can achieve his goals then there would be no need for him to cry his tears and at last he can let go of all his controlling fears If he expresses what he feels on the inside then he can leave all this pain and suffering behind if he gains the courage that he seeks and if he is brave enough to come forth and speak I will not cry just because you stare or just because I think life is slightly unfair and even if you can't accept that this is me Just remember this is how God designed me to be because this is my soul and this is my face and these are my goals that I want to chase to prove to you I have a heart and soul like you and to tell you that I'm human too. And now he said that he feels like he has found his true identity. |
Activity:
Ask students to read aloud and annotate the following poem noting point of view shifts. Out of My Mind is written as a first person narrative. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach the power of words and authors' use of point of view. Imagine the poem with different speakers. Write it as a dialogue and discuss the power of words. Look at specific imagery and highlight diction that conveys strong emotion. Research Callum Burnham a bit and learn his story. In annotation, connect his story to moments in the verse. |
Music & ColorMelody experiences music, like "Elvira" by The Oak Ridge Boys, as having colors. This song appears to her as purple. Explain what YOU think is the reason for this color matching this song. OR justify another color you relate to the tune. |
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Synesthesia (noun) is a neurological condition in which information meant to stimulate one of your senses stimulates several of your senses. People who have synesthesia are called synesthetes.
Musical artists like Billie Eilish and Pharrell Williams have synesthesia.
Sandra Silberzweig, a painter also has been diagnosed with synesthesia.
Sandra Silberzweig, a painter also has been diagnosed with synesthesia.
Take this test to see if you are a synesthete.