Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind full novel study lessons, click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)
Sharon Draper’s novel Out of My Mind is a critically acclaimed children’s book that tells the story of Melody, a young girl with cerebral palsy who must find her place in the world. The novel is an excellent choice for teachers looking to discuss themes such as disability, acceptance, and resilience with their students. Here are some tips on teaching this novel in the classroom.
Introduce the Novel
Before diving into the text, it’s important to provide students with context about the author and her work. Discuss how Sharon Draper has won numerous awards for her writing and how she was inspired to write about Melody after meeting a student at a school she visited. This will help students understand why this novel was written and why it is so important. Additionally, introduce students to some of the major themes in the book such as disability, acceptance, and resilience.
Provide Opportunities for Discussion
Out of My Mind contains many opportunities for classroom discussion and should be used as a platform for examining these themes further. Ask questions that allow students to think critically about what they are reading and encourage thoughtful conversations about topics such as discrimination, empathy, and courage. It can also be beneficial to have students act out certain scenes from the book or create projects related to its content as a way to deepen their understanding of its messages.
Encourage Reflection Time
At the end of each reading session, take time for reflection by having students describe what they learned from that day’s lesson or write down any questions they may have about what was discussed. This will help ensure that everyone has had an opportunity to digest the material and make connections between the book’s content and real-world events or issues. Additionally, teachers can use this time to get a better sense of where each student is at in their understanding of the material and adjust instruction accordingly.
Creating an Inclusive Environment for Students with Disabilities
Out of My Mind provides an opportunity for teachers to discuss creating an inclusive environment for students with disabilities in their classroom. This book shows how both school leaders and teachers need to understand the importance of creating such an environment and how they can do so. It also explores the impact that exclusion has on those who feel different or excluded from the group. By reading this book, educators can gain insight into what it’s like for children with disabilities in school settings, which will help them create more inclusive classrooms where everyone feels welcome.
Exploring Different Types of Intelligence
The book also serves as a reminder that intelligence comes in many forms, not just academic success or intelligence tests scores. Melody Brooks may not have been able to express her thoughts verbally, but she was intelligent in other ways—she had a photographic memory and was able to solve complex problems quickly using her mind alone. Educators can use this book as a way to encourage their students to think outside the box when it comes to traditional definitions of intelligence and success. They can talk about other types of intelligence such as emotional intelligence and creative problem solving skills.
Teaching Resilience
Finally, Out of My Mind features various themes related to resilience—the ability to bounce back after setbacks or negative experiences—which educators can use as teachable moments for their students. Through Melody’s journey throughout the novel, readers learn about courage and determination in facing adversity despite all odds stacked against her –– qualities that all students should strive for no matter their background or circumstances. By discussing these themes from the book as part of lesson plans and activities, teachers will be helping their students become more resilient individuals who are better equipped for life’s challenges ahead of them.
Integrating Technology
Out of My Mind can be used to teach students to use technology effectively. In the novel, Melody uses technology such as augmentative communication devices, tablets, and computers to communicate with others and share her thoughts and ideas. This provides educators with a great opportunity to talk about how technology can help students express themselves in ways they may not have been able to before. Educators can also discuss how digital tools like text-to-speech software enable people with disabilities to participate in conversations more easily and engage in activities with their peers.
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Promoting Empathy
Out of My Mind is an excellent way to teach students empathy by having them explore Melody’s feelings and experiences as she navigates life with cerebral palsy. Educators can encourage students to think critically about issues such as bullying, discrimination, and exclusion that are addressed in the book. They can also ask questions that will help students understand why these issues are so important and how we all play a role in making sure everyone feels included and respected in our classrooms and communities.
Incorporating Writing Assignments
Out of My Mind offers plenty of opportunities for writing assignments that will engage learners while helping them develop their literacy skills. For example, educators could assign persuasive essays related to topics such as disability rights or inclusion initiatives; research projects on assistive technologies; or creative writing pieces from the perspective of one of the characters from the book. These assignments will give students an opportunity to practice their writing skills while also developing their critical thinking abilities as they examine complex concepts related to disability rights and acceptance.
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper is an engaging novel filled with powerful themes that educators can use in their classrooms when discussing topics such as disability, acceptance, and resilience with their students. By introducing the novel before reading it aloud in class, providing opportunities for discussion throughout each lesson, and encouraging reflective thinking afterwards, teachers can ensure that all learners benefit from reading this important story together!
Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind full novel study lessons, click HERE on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)
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