In the comment
section below, share at least one "aha" moment (evidence) and "why." Read
comments by other group members and respond to posts by at least two other
teachers.
Love this book! First A-ha moment was when the disabled students were in a classroom where the teachers treated them as though their disabilities meant that they operated or thought at a lower developmental level because they might not be able to communicate their thoughts. I wondered about how many of my students have never been able to fully express their thoughts to me or describe their thinking processes? How many times have I not tried to make teachable moments more meaningful for my kiddos no matter what their ability level? This book made me want to be a better teacher or make sure that I always keep in mind that my students have different levels of insight to provide in any lesson taught.
Jan, I couldn't agree more with your A-ha moment. I taught these very students while I was teaching in TN from 1999-2005 as I taught 14-21 year old students in the HS Life Skills Classroom. As I read this section, I couldn't help but remember the days of sitting through the TCAP-ALT portolio trainings. I remember listening to a few teachers over from me when they discussed the new vision for our students and how they would now (then) be assessed. I was new to the field as I sat through the training, but I couldn't understand why we would assess/teach any other way than the direction they were proposing. I very vividly remember 2 teachers faces as they pointed out students should not be listening to Sesame Street when they were in HS, they should be exposed to Britney Spears and NSYNC....absolutely priceless. Now, that I've got a few more years under my belt, I still find myself asking those same questions...Is there more I could have done for them?
I totally understand what you are saying Jan. I don't know how many times I have taught a lesson and felt was that too easy, did I reach every student, etc... This book as well makes me want to be a better teacher in the sense that I need to make sure I get to know each of my students and realize what they are capable of, as well as push them to do things they didn't think they were capable of. Loved this book!
My A-ha moment is in chapter 16 when Claire said that she didn't realize that Molly actually had thoughts in her head. I have to wonder how many people think that just because an individual can't communicate that they are unable to think as well. Everyone has a brain and can think to some degree whether it be at a low or high level. Everyone has thoughts!! More importantly how many teachers think this. Another thought in response to Jan... how many times have I not given a student the right tools to fully express their thoughts. Instead of a verbal answer maybe they needed to draw a picture or write some words, act it out, etc. Do we allow students to show what they have learned in various ways?
I totally feel the same way you do Anita. How have I not met my students needs, especially in the ways that they feel comfortable communicating their thoughts and ideas. Even at their developmental levels-I often question if there are better ways to reach our kids and better ways in which to assist them in showing us what they know, think, and feel.
I agree with you Anita about not always giving students tools to use to express themselves. As I reflected on your comment. I can recall several times having wished I would have noticed a picture or behavior pattern that spoke volumes after the fact.
One of my A-Ha moments reading the book came early on in chapter 8 when she was sitting in her room listening to her favorite country station and the fish jumped out of the bowl. Perception! It's all a matter of perception. What an eye opener this one was...she was trying to save Ollie and her mom accused her of making a mess. After reading this, my first thought was as another mother, and realized I've probably done and assumed the same with my own children. Then, I thought about my students. Had I jumped to conclusions before giving them opportunities to explain?
I couldnt agree more with this Jen!!! This is all I could think about and talk about with Asa last night watching our fire. I even talked alot with him and his learning disability and how so many people dont take the chance to get to know him for him. I pray I continue to seek out who my kiddos really are in my class!!!
I completely agree with this. You make a good point and although I always try to get both sides of the story, sometimes I find myself jumping to conclusions. It's so important for us not to take sides or automatically believe one student over the other without hearing both sides and figuring it out together.
My a-ha moment was the same as Anita's when her peer stated she didn't realize she had thoughts. I know as adults we are usually better at looking at the big picture, but for peers to understand disabilities and differences in others is a little more difficult. I absolutely loved this book and cried through a lot of it. Her feelings are very real and she was so strong when they weren't being validated. I absolutely love how her parents advocated to the fullest for her as well as her neighbor. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!
Rhea-I read this book like you did, it was very emotional for me. And I too loved the way her parents were her loyal advocates. Which is something not all of our students have! I often wonder if one of my own kids were faced with these challenges would I be as strong as her parents and would I be motivated to find out more ways to help my child reach their full potential? I would like to say I would, but I also know how exhausting everyday life is and I also think about how exhausting it is for parents to care for a special needs child-which I have seen with many of my past students. This book really makes you do some soul searching.
I absolutely loved loved this book. The whole thing just really helped me remember that we truly have no idea where any one person is coming from. I was sitting outside reading by the fire and just started crying because I couldnt imagine not ever being able to share a single thought. When Melody was able, for the first time, to tell her mom and dad that she loved them.... overwhelming. I think about my kinder's right now, I think I know them, I try to know them, to understand them, but I truly dont know where they are coming from. Im not at home with them, I dont see what they go through when Im not with them. My aha moment would be to always remember before you ever judge or act like you "know" someone or something, to step back and really assess the whole situation. My husband has dislexia, and alot of people assume he is slow or doesnt care about how he does things when it comes to literacy, but he loves to read, and he desires to be educated, if you dont get to know a person and get past all the "outside" stuff, you are missing out on something so much greater than you or U could ever be blessed to experience or know. Anyways, I hope this makes sense!!!!
Trista, I could not agree with you more about crying about how it would feel to never share a single thought. When Melody was explaining how she would react and throw her "tornado explosions", I thought to myself, I would totally do the same thing. How frustrating would it be to not be able to share when you were upset, excited, angry or sad? I also remember when she told her parents "I love you" for the first time I needed to take a break and let it all sink it. Truly an amazing book.
I also felt the same way when she was trying to communicate to her dad that she was hungry - and not just hungry, but actually craved a Big Mac from McDonald's. I just remember thinking to myself, how many times do I want something and think nothing of getting it or doing it for myself - To not have that ability, I think would be devastating. And then when they passed by it a couple weeks later and the dad suggests McDonald's how excited she gets - and there is no connection. I guess, how could there have been, for the Dad, anyway. Broke my heart!
Trista, What a great perspective you you bring to the table because of your husband's experiences. It is so much easier to judge people on intial perceptions.
The first word that come to mind when I read this book was wow! Many times while reading I was angry, emotional or laughing. In the book when her teacher, Mr. Dimming, basically ignores Melody for scoring high on the quiz and embarassing her in front of the whole class, is a part I can not get out of my head. How could anyone be so cruel and mean. I just keep thinking "did he seriously say that?". My ah-ha moment for this book is how ignorant people can be. I've always felt as a teacher and working as one that we are all aware to not judge and respect everyone. This book opened my eyes as to how that is not the case in other parts of the world and that more people need to be educated on basically their manners. I agree with Trista in the fact that you should never judge before you really know someone. I was so impressed with this book and fell in love with the character of Melody, I felt like I was cheering her on as I read the book. At the end when she tells the team she doesn't want the trophy and "you deserve it!", I was so excited because I felt she finally got to say how she felt and put them in their place. I feel that everyone should read this book because hopefully it will give them insight into something they may have never thought about before.
Nicole - I said the same thing (did he really just say that!?!?) when I read the part where Mr. Dimming said that he needed to make the questions more challenging because Melody got them all right! WOW! First of all, the child is right there listening to what your are saying! Second of all, you are saying this to another student that didn't get them all right! I agree that this is a very emotional book and helps me put some of the situations I have in my room into perspective. We have to remember that all students have the ability to learn. We just have to figure out how to get around their challenges/disabilities so that they can learn and show us what they have learned.
I agree wholeheartedly. This hearing him say that made my stomach turn. I have a whole new perspective on children with needs now. I still struggle with the thought of being able to be the one to find the right connection. I've been in education for 15 years and still have so much to learn.
This is a totally random post, but can I just say that I loved the fact that she named her "machine" Elvira and then said, "My heart's on fire for Elvira!" I can't imagaine the thoughts and feelings she was having at that moment. :)
How ironic Jenny. I thought the same thing. I love the fact that she names her computer Elvira. It shows that she connects with the same types of things. She has such a great personality. I love her humor!
My Aha moment came early in the book and came up repeatedly in the book. In chapter 4 when the doctor told Melody's mother that she should just institutionalize Melody and get on with her own life it woke her 'inner lioness.' Here we see Melody's Mom take on the role of the primary advocate and she pushes for her daughters best interest based on her motherly instict and observations. It pops up again in the form of Mrs. V who does not allow Melody to drown in much deserved self pity. Mrs. V pushes Melody to accomplish remarkable feats. My initial reaction was thankfulness for the health of our four children. But as I read and thought further, I wondered if I have always been a strong advocate for my students who don't have support from home. I question whether enough what I do is enough. I think I will always myself if I am being a Mrs. V for my struggling students. I feel I need to add that this has not been my favorite read. It felt a little contrived to me. That being said, I do think the book has great value in the author's ability to cause a paradigm shift for those who take the time to read it. I also think the brevity of the book may entice readers to do further research on this topic.
I love how Mrs. V. was PROACTIVE and didn't just settle for Melody being nonverbal! I love how resourceful she was, but I was wondering where the SLP at the school was?!?!
Wow, what a range of emotions I had while reading this book. Sad, mad and excited were all there many times. So many parts really hit me. I think the one that hits me the most was when she told her parents that she loved them for the first time. Right away I could hear my girls saying "I love you mom". Four words that I love to hear the most in life. I appreciate, and am thankful, for hearing that everyday. I didn't think I took it for granted, but you know....I guess I did. The struggles that Melody went through every day would wear an average person out in a minute. For now on when I look into a child's eyes it's going to be different-totally different.
I was so sad at the end of the book (spoiler alert) when she couldn't communicate with her mom about her brother being in the way of the car. After all of the progress Melody had made in getting her family to understand that she was SMART and had VALUABLE THINGS TO SAY! And then for her mother just to ignore Melody at this crucial time! UGH! I was so angry!
Ok friends, even though I didn't read Out of My Mind for the book study, I DID read it on one of the Nooks earlier this summer. I think my notes and highlights saved to a few of the Nooks. It seemed like the more I read, the more upset I got. I had the same feeling that a lot of you had--the feeling of disbelief that people could actually treat another person (especially a child!!) so poorly. I was fired up when I read this. I'm glad Becky Lay read it before me because I texted her my random thoughts as I was reading. I strongly believe everyone involved in public education should read this book and really think about the way they look at students. I found myself connecting with Maria (the kid who LOVES holidays and hugs other kids in music class). I also loved the next door neighbor--I can relate to her fierce determination to help Melody learn. I find myself rooting for the underdog, and the kiddos who struggle the most or have the biggest behavior issues are the ones I like to take under my wing and try anything I can to help them.
I can relate to everyone who said they cried while reading this book. I shed LOTS of tears. One part that hit me the hardest was when Melody was able to tell her parents she loved them. While I'm not a mama yet, my nieces (who are my WORLD), are like daughters to me. One niece, Jillian, is bright, but any time my sis tried to get her to say she loved someone, Jilly would just smile. She wasn't ready. I will never forget the day Jilly told me "I love you Aunt Jenn" for the first time. I screamed because I was excited and cried because I was touched. I can't imagine what it was like for Melody's parents to have to wait so long before she could communicate with them!
Thanks for letting me share on your rockin' blog! I love the deep reflections I've read from all of you!!!
Loved this book!! Did anyone else cry the first time she was able to tell her parents she loved them?!!? You could kind of see the progression of teaching students with disabilities as Melody was finally able to attend regular classes. It's a shame it has taken (and is still taking) us so long!
Yes, I did cry.....I am a parent and thought about how I would feel if I couldn't hear those words....I get so excited anytime my baby speaks....just hearing, 'momma" melts my heart! And yes, the progression of teaching students with disabilities has come a long ways.....but man, we have so much farther to go! I hope this book encourages teachers as to how important they are to EACH student.
My aha moment was realizing that not everyone thinks like me. ;-) As an SLP, I'm always thinking about what kids are thinking about and how they can express it. To read about people NOT thinking that kids who are nonverbal are still thinking and wanting to express themselves was a reminder that helping kids communicate is important!
It is a very important job! You are well needed in the school system. How frustrating it would be to not get out what you are thinking all the time, day in and day out. You may be like Ms. V.....and be that special someone that pushes and believes in their ability, while the outside world may be dragging them down. Yay for speech!
This book reminded me of how very vital our Support Personnel and SPED staff are in ensuring that students are successful in school! I cannot imagine schools without them!
Stacey & Kimberly ~ I agree with both of you! I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to not be able to verbally express myself. This book made me really think about how hard it is for kiddos to express themselves to us and "us" having the patience to wait for that child to speak and giving them the attention they deserve.
I LOVED this book! It really puts into perspective what a day in the life of someone with special needs is and how difficult life must be. I loved that she had a special friend in Ms. V. and how much she loved Melody. Ms. V was able to push her to make huge strides in her life. How frustrating it must be to be so limited physically and verbally. I love that Melody was able to finally tell her parents she loves them. I was glad to read she was able to join regular classes. I grew angry when I read how some teachers treated her as though she was practically brain dead and was teaching basic 4/5 yr old concepts in 3rd grade. I imagined what it must be like to experience this in her shoes. She is lucky to have parents who pushed her, stood up for her, and loved her unconditionally. Reading this book reminds me of how blessed I am to walk and talk; something at times I may take for granted or not even think about anymore. I think of how we complain of having to walk long distances or how when something dramatic happens in life you can't wait to tell someone about it.....what would I do if I couldn't do either of those things.....I can only imagine....
Jan ~ I couldn't agree with your statement more "when the disabled students were in a classroom where the teachers treated them as though their disabilities meant that they operated or thought at a lower developmental level because they might not be able to communicate their thoughts". This doesn't just entail ESS students, think of all the ELL students who know what they want to say / express in their native language but can't get it across to you.
Kelly you make a very good point that this doesn't just entail ESS students, but ELL students as well. I think so many people look at the disability first and don't realize what else these people are capable of. How frustrating it must be to not be able to communicate and express your feelings.
I have 20 pages left to read in this book and I cannot pinpoint one particular A-ha moment! Like many of you, I have reflected on the children I teach and wondered if I met all of their needs. Something that I find so very significant is Melody's ability to use such extrordinary patience and perserverance in every aspect of her life! How many times today have I become frustrated and for the most part been able to resolve my frustration? A young person such as Melody deals with increased frustration most of her waking hours. I have been reminded over and over to be the best person I can be in every aspect of my life-this means helping others, working hard, and remaining positive despite obstacles. This should be a book that every person should read sometime in their life!
So I finished reading the last 20 pages last night and what an ending it was! I am amazed by the amount of aching my heart has done in 2012 and the end of this book really reminded me of how very fortunate people should feel to be healthy-physically and mentally. Melody's inability to speak contrasts sharply with the powerful writing of the author of this book. As readers we should be so very thankful that the author was able to put together a novel that allows us to understand the frustrations and challenges that individuals may have. I have learned to be more mindful of my actions towards others and to love the life that I have!
This book really did do a great job showing the frustrations and challenges that individuals may have in life. It saddens me that so many people see a person with a disability and automatically believe they are not smart. From knowing people with disabilities in my family and also from working in schools, it is so apparent that people with disabilities have so much more to offer than what most people give them credit for. It was heartbreaking to read in the story where other students were picking on them. It just shows how naive people can be. Not only did this book want me to reflect more on whether I am meeting my students' needs, but it also makes me want to educate my students so they don't become naive like those other students in the book. This was definitely a touching story and it really makes you think and be thankful for what we have.
This is Trista Pickard, just checking to see if this goes through!!!
ReplyDeleteIt worked Trista! Good job. :)
ReplyDeleteLets see if mine is working. Half way through the book. I love it!!
ReplyDeleteSeeing if mine is working
ReplyDeleteLove this book! First A-ha moment was when the disabled students were in a classroom where the teachers treated them as though their disabilities meant that they operated or thought at a lower developmental level because they might not be able to communicate their thoughts. I wondered about how many of my students have never been able to fully express their thoughts to me or describe their thinking processes? How many times have I not tried to make teachable moments more meaningful for my kiddos no matter what their ability level? This book made me want to be a better teacher or make sure that I always keep in mind that my students have different levels of insight to provide in any lesson taught.
ReplyDeleteJan, I couldn't agree more with your A-ha moment. I taught these very students while I was teaching in TN from 1999-2005 as I taught 14-21 year old students in the HS Life Skills Classroom. As I read this section, I couldn't help but remember the days of sitting through the TCAP-ALT portolio trainings. I remember listening to a few teachers over from me when they discussed the new vision for our students and how they would now (then) be assessed. I was new to the field as I sat through the training, but I couldn't understand why we would assess/teach any other way than the direction they were proposing. I very vividly remember 2 teachers faces as they pointed out students should not be listening to Sesame Street when they were in HS, they should be exposed to Britney Spears and NSYNC....absolutely priceless. Now, that I've got a few more years under my belt, I still find myself asking those same questions...Is there more I could have done for them?
DeleteI totally understand what you are saying Jan. I don't know how many times I have taught a lesson and felt was that too easy, did I reach every student, etc... This book as well makes me want to be a better teacher in the sense that I need to make sure I get to know each of my students and realize what they are capable of, as well as push them to do things they didn't think they were capable of. Loved this book!
DeleteMy A-ha moment is in chapter 16 when Claire said that she didn't realize that Molly actually had thoughts in her head. I have to wonder how many people think that just because an individual can't communicate that they are unable to think as well. Everyone has a brain and can think to some degree whether it be at a low or high level. Everyone has thoughts!! More importantly how many teachers think this.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought in response to Jan... how many times have I not given a student the right tools to fully express their thoughts. Instead of a verbal answer maybe they needed to draw a picture or write some words, act it out, etc. Do we allow students to show what they have learned in various ways?
I totally feel the same way you do Anita. How have I not met my students needs, especially in the ways that they feel comfortable communicating their thoughts and ideas. Even at their developmental levels-I often question if there are better ways to reach our kids and better ways in which to assist them in showing us what they know, think, and feel.
DeleteI agree with you Anita about not always giving students tools to use to express themselves. As I reflected on your comment. I can recall several times having wished I would have noticed a picture or behavior pattern that spoke volumes after the fact.
DeleteOne of my A-Ha moments reading the book came early on in chapter 8 when she was sitting in her room listening to her favorite country station and the fish jumped out of the bowl. Perception! It's all a matter of perception. What an eye opener this one was...she was trying to save Ollie and her mom accused her of making a mess. After reading this, my first thought was as another mother, and realized I've probably done and assumed the same with my own children. Then, I thought about my students. Had I jumped to conclusions before giving them opportunities to explain?
ReplyDeleteI couldnt agree more with this Jen!!! This is all I could think about and talk about with Asa last night watching our fire. I even talked alot with him and his learning disability and how so many people dont take the chance to get to know him for him. I pray I continue to seek out who my kiddos really are in my class!!!
DeleteI completely agree with this. You make a good point and although I always try to get both sides of the story, sometimes I find myself jumping to conclusions. It's so important for us not to take sides or automatically believe one student over the other without hearing both sides and figuring it out together.
DeleteMy a-ha moment was the same as Anita's when her peer stated she didn't realize she had thoughts. I know as adults we are usually better at looking at the big picture, but for peers to understand disabilities and differences in others is a little more difficult. I absolutely loved this book and cried through a lot of it. Her feelings are very real and she was so strong when they weren't being validated. I absolutely love how her parents advocated to the fullest for her as well as her neighbor. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!
ReplyDeleteRhea-I read this book like you did, it was very emotional for me. And I too loved the way her parents were her loyal advocates. Which is something not all of our students have! I often wonder if one of my own kids were faced with these challenges would I be as strong as her parents and would I be motivated to find out more ways to help my child reach their full potential? I would like to say I would, but I also know how exhausting everyday life is and I also think about how exhausting it is for parents to care for a special needs child-which I have seen with many of my past students. This book really makes you do some soul searching.
DeleteI absolutely loved loved this book. The whole thing just really helped me remember that we truly have no idea where any one person is coming from. I was sitting outside reading by the fire and just started crying because I couldnt imagine not ever being able to share a single thought. When Melody was able, for the first time, to tell her mom and dad that she loved them.... overwhelming. I think about my kinder's right now, I think I know them, I try to know them, to understand them, but I truly dont know where they are coming from. Im not at home with them, I dont see what they go through when Im not with them. My aha moment would be to always remember before you ever judge or act like you "know" someone or something, to step back and really assess the whole situation. My husband has dislexia, and alot of people assume he is slow or doesnt care about how he does things when it comes to literacy, but he loves to read, and he desires to be educated, if you dont get to know a person and get past all the "outside" stuff, you are missing out on something so much greater than you or U could ever be blessed to experience or know. Anyways, I hope this makes sense!!!!
ReplyDeleteTrista, I could not agree with you more about crying about how it would feel to never share a single thought. When Melody was explaining how she would react and throw her "tornado explosions", I thought to myself, I would totally do the same thing. How frustrating would it be to not be able to share when you were upset, excited, angry or sad? I also remember when she told her parents "I love you" for the first time I needed to take a break and let it all sink it. Truly an amazing book.
DeleteI also felt the same way when she was trying to communicate to her dad that she was hungry - and not just hungry, but actually craved a Big Mac from McDonald's. I just remember thinking to myself, how many times do I want something and think nothing of getting it or doing it for myself - To not have that ability, I think would be devastating. And then when they passed by it a couple weeks later and the dad suggests McDonald's how excited she gets - and there is no connection. I guess, how could there have been, for the Dad, anyway. Broke my heart!
DeleteTrista, What a great perspective you you bring to the table because of your husband's experiences. It is so much easier to judge people on intial perceptions.
DeleteThe first word that come to mind when I read this book was wow! Many times while reading I was angry, emotional or laughing. In the book when her teacher, Mr. Dimming, basically ignores Melody for scoring high on the quiz and embarassing her in front of the whole class, is a part I can not get out of my head. How could anyone be so cruel and mean. I just keep thinking "did he seriously say that?". My ah-ha moment for this book is how ignorant people can be. I've always felt as a teacher and working as one that we are all aware to not judge and respect everyone. This book opened my eyes as to how that is not the case in other parts of the world and that more people need to be educated on basically their manners. I agree with Trista in the fact that you should never judge before you really know someone. I was so impressed with this book and fell in love with the character of Melody, I felt like I was cheering her on as I read the book. At the end when she tells the team she doesn't want the trophy and "you deserve it!", I was so excited because I felt she finally got to say how she felt and put them in their place. I feel that everyone should read this book because hopefully it will give them insight into something they may have never thought about before.
ReplyDeleteNicole - I said the same thing (did he really just say that!?!?) when I read the part where Mr. Dimming said that he needed to make the questions more challenging because Melody got them all right! WOW! First of all, the child is right there listening to what your are saying! Second of all, you are saying this to another student that didn't get them all right! I agree that this is a very emotional book and helps me put some of the situations I have in my room into perspective. We have to remember that all students have the ability to learn. We just have to figure out how to get around their challenges/disabilities so that they can learn and show us what they have learned.
DeleteI agree wholeheartedly. This hearing him say that made my stomach turn. I have a whole new perspective on children with needs now. I still struggle with the thought of being able to be the one to find the right connection. I've been in education for 15 years and still have so much to learn.
DeleteThis is a totally random post, but can I just say that I loved the fact that she named her "machine" Elvira and then said, "My heart's on fire for Elvira!" I can't imagaine the thoughts and feelings she was having at that moment. :)
ReplyDeleteHow ironic Jenny. I thought the same thing. I love the fact that she names her computer Elvira. It shows that she connects with the same types of things. She has such a great personality. I love her humor!
DeleteMy Aha moment came early in the book and came up repeatedly in the book. In chapter 4 when the doctor told Melody's mother that she should just institutionalize Melody and get on with her own life it woke her 'inner lioness.' Here we see Melody's Mom take on the role of the primary advocate and she pushes for her daughters best interest based on her motherly instict and observations. It pops up again in the form of Mrs. V who does not allow Melody to drown in much deserved self pity. Mrs. V pushes Melody to accomplish remarkable feats. My initial reaction was thankfulness for the health of our four children. But as I read and thought further, I wondered if I have always been a strong advocate for my students who don't have support from home. I question whether enough what I do is enough. I think I will always myself if I am being a Mrs. V for my struggling students.
ReplyDeleteI feel I need to add that this has not been my favorite read. It felt a little contrived to me. That being said, I do think the book has great value in the author's ability to cause a paradigm shift for those who take the time to read it. I also think the brevity of the book may entice readers to do further research on this topic.
I agree, Karen! I LOVE Mrs. V for not allowing self-pity and being soft on Melody because of her condition.
DeleteI love how Mrs. V. was PROACTIVE and didn't just settle for Melody being nonverbal! I love how resourceful she was, but I was wondering where the SLP at the school was?!?!
DeleteWow, what a range of emotions I had while reading this book. Sad, mad and excited were all there many times. So many parts really hit me. I think the one that hits me the most was when she told her parents that she loved them for the first time. Right away I could hear my girls saying "I love you mom". Four words that I love to hear the most in life. I appreciate, and am thankful, for hearing that everyday. I didn't think I took it for granted, but you know....I guess I did. The struggles that Melody went through every day would wear an average person out in a minute. For now on when I look into a child's eyes it's going to be different-totally different.
ReplyDeleteDitto, Delcie! It was a very emotional book!
DeleteI was so sad at the end of the book (spoiler alert) when she couldn't communicate with her mom about her brother being in the way of the car. After all of the progress Melody had made in getting her family to understand that she was SMART and had VALUABLE THINGS TO SAY! And then for her mother just to ignore Melody at this crucial time! UGH! I was so angry!
DeleteOk friends, even though I didn't read Out of My Mind for the book study, I DID read it on one of the Nooks earlier this summer. I think my notes and highlights saved to a few of the Nooks. It seemed like the more I read, the more upset I got. I had the same feeling that a lot of you had--the feeling of disbelief that people could actually treat another person (especially a child!!) so poorly. I was fired up when I read this. I'm glad Becky Lay read it before me because I texted her my random thoughts as I was reading. I strongly believe everyone involved in public education should read this book and really think about the way they look at students. I found myself connecting with Maria (the kid who LOVES holidays and hugs other kids in music class). I also loved the next door neighbor--I can relate to her fierce determination to help Melody learn. I find myself rooting for the underdog, and the kiddos who struggle the most or have the biggest behavior issues are the ones I like to take under my wing and try anything I can to help them.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to everyone who said they cried while reading this book. I shed LOTS of tears. One part that hit me the hardest was when Melody was able to tell her parents she loved them. While I'm not a mama yet, my nieces (who are my WORLD), are like daughters to me. One niece, Jillian, is bright, but any time my sis tried to get her to say she loved someone, Jilly would just smile. She wasn't ready. I will never forget the day Jilly told me "I love you Aunt Jenn" for the first time. I screamed because I was excited and cried because I was touched. I can't imagine what it was like for Melody's parents to have to wait so long before she could communicate with them!
Thanks for letting me share on your rockin' blog! I love the deep reflections I've read from all of you!!!
Loved this book!! Did anyone else cry the first time she was able to tell her parents she loved them?!!? You could kind of see the progression of teaching students with disabilities as Melody was finally able to attend regular classes. It's a shame it has taken (and is still taking) us so long!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did cry.....I am a parent and thought about how I would feel if I couldn't hear those words....I get so excited anytime my baby speaks....just hearing, 'momma" melts my heart! And yes, the progression of teaching students with disabilities has come a long ways.....but man, we have so much farther to go! I hope this book encourages teachers as to how important they are to EACH student.
DeleteI am hoping this will work....this is only a test.
ReplyDeleteMy aha moment was realizing that not everyone thinks like me. ;-) As an SLP, I'm always thinking about what kids are thinking about and how they can express it. To read about people NOT thinking that kids who are nonverbal are still thinking and wanting to express themselves was a reminder that helping kids communicate is important!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very important job! You are well needed in the school system. How frustrating it would be to not get out what you are thinking all the time, day in and day out. You may be like Ms. V.....and be that special someone that pushes and believes in their ability, while the outside world may be dragging them down. Yay for speech!
DeleteThis book reminded me of how very vital our Support Personnel and SPED staff are in ensuring that students are successful in school! I cannot imagine schools without them!
DeleteStacey & Kimberly ~ I agree with both of you! I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to not be able to verbally express myself. This book made me really think about how hard it is for kiddos to express themselves to us and "us" having the patience to wait for that child to speak and giving them the attention they deserve.
DeleteI LOVED this book! It really puts into perspective what a day in the life of someone with special needs is and how difficult life must be. I loved that she had a special friend in Ms. V. and how much she loved Melody. Ms. V was able to push her to make huge strides in her life. How frustrating it must be to be so limited physically and verbally. I love that Melody was able to finally tell her parents she loves them. I was glad to read she was able to join regular classes. I grew angry when I read how some teachers treated her as though she was practically brain dead and was teaching basic 4/5 yr old concepts in 3rd grade. I imagined what it must be like to experience this in her shoes. She is lucky to have parents who pushed her, stood up for her, and loved her unconditionally. Reading this book reminds me of how blessed I am to walk and talk; something at times I may take for granted or not even think about anymore. I think of how we complain of having to walk long distances or how when something dramatic happens in life you can't wait to tell someone about it.....what would I do if I couldn't do either of those things.....I can only imagine....
ReplyDeleteJan ~ I couldn't agree with your statement more "when the disabled students were in a classroom where the teachers treated them as though their disabilities meant that they operated or thought at a lower developmental level because they might not be able to communicate their thoughts". This doesn't just entail ESS students, think of all the ELL students who know what they want to say / express in their native language but can't get it across to you.
ReplyDeleteKelly you make a very good point that this doesn't just entail ESS students, but ELL students as well. I think so many people look at the disability first and don't realize what else these people are capable of. How frustrating it must be to not be able to communicate and express your feelings.
DeleteI have 20 pages left to read in this book and I cannot pinpoint one particular A-ha moment! Like many of you, I have reflected on the children I teach and wondered if I met all of their needs. Something that I find so very significant is Melody's ability to use such extrordinary patience and perserverance in every aspect of her life! How many times today have I become frustrated and for the most part been able to resolve my frustration? A young person such as Melody deals with increased frustration most of her waking hours. I have been reminded over and over to be the best person I can be in every aspect of my life-this means helping others, working hard, and remaining positive despite obstacles. This should be a book that every person should read sometime in their life!
ReplyDeleteSo I finished reading the last 20 pages last night and what an ending it was! I am amazed by the amount of aching my heart has done in 2012 and the end of this book really reminded me of how very fortunate people should feel to be healthy-physically and mentally. Melody's inability to speak contrasts sharply with the powerful writing of the author of this book. As readers we should be so very thankful that the author was able to put together a novel that allows us to understand the frustrations and challenges that individuals may have. I have learned to be more mindful of my actions towards others and to love the life that I have!
ReplyDeleteThis book really did do a great job showing the frustrations and challenges that individuals may have in life. It saddens me that so many people see a person with a disability and automatically believe they are not smart. From knowing people with disabilities in my family and also from working in schools, it is so apparent that people with disabilities have so much more to offer than what most people give them credit for. It was heartbreaking to read in the story where other students were picking on them. It just shows how naive people can be. Not only did this book want me to reflect more on whether I am meeting my students' needs, but it also makes me want to educate my students so they don't become naive like those other students in the book. This was definitely a touching story and it really makes you think and be thankful for what we have.
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