6CT Reflection of Learning

Reflection of Learning in 6CT

This Term 6CT have been reading the novel “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper.   “Out of My Mind” tells the story of Melody, who is not like most people. In this novel, Melody Brooks is an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Melody's body is stiff and uncooperative, forcing her to use a wheelchair. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. Melody hates her boring special education classes and the fact that she cannot make her thoughts and opinions known, even to her parents. Hence Melody has to fight to get what she wants. Eventually, Melody is given a computer that helps her speak and communicate in a regular fifth grade class. 

Here are some comments from the students about the novel:

Jasmine Manias: “Out of my mind is a very inspirational book and it shows that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.”

Alessandro Lucarelli: “Out of my mind is a brilliant book about a girl who can’t talk or walk and how she tries to communicate with her friends and family.  This book made me think that no matter what challenges you have you can overcome them.”

Isabelle Luong: “Melody is such a sweet character who finds her way to express herself through a computer”

Krishna Swarooprao: “Melody is a girl who has the mind of an ordinary girl but her physical disability doesn’t allow her communicate.  Melody shows us that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything!”

Madison Monea: “Out of My Mind is a book about a girl who can’t walk or talk. The book is all about her life and how she experiences life with all her thoughts stuck inside her mind”

Oliver Nahas: “This book showed me that children with disabilities are just like everyone else even if they look different.  This book showed me that it is important to treat everyone equally and that everyone has important things to say.”

Learning Focus: This book has guided many class discussions around students with special needs and how they are treated by society.   This book has allowed the students to develop empathy for others and also develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by many students with physical disabilities. 

From Mrs. Chan: Literature is a great way to explore social issues with students.  The class have absolutely loved reading this book.  Reading at home with your children is an excellent way to enhance their reading skills and also promote awareness of social issues.