Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol)

Melody Visits Houston, TX (submitted by Mac Bechtol), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody visited St. John's School in Houston, Texas. She enjoyed the day with the 4th graders. She rode on our swing in the front yard. It is a Live Oak which is green year round in Houston.

I love feeling a connection to other places in the world. I learned more about people like Melody. I learned it is hard for them in a different way. I also learned that a book can be taken to the next level! This was a fun experience. I wish I had gotten Melody sooner. I didn't have much time because it took so long for her to arrive in Houston. (Melody #050B0414)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo)

Melody eats cotton candy at Santa Cruz Boardwalk (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

After paddle boarding, CarWhi’s dad took the girls to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where she rode the Giant Dipper (roller coaster) and then enjoyed some cotton candy. A lot of people stared when we had Melody at the ride, and we realized it would make Melody sad and mad  to have people stare at her all the time. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo)

Melody gets ready to hang 10 (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody planned to go surfing with CarWhi on Sunday 5/18 but the waves weren’t good, so they went paddle boarding instead. We realized Melody would have done better in a kayak or something where she could sit. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo)

Melody having dinner at the Beach Hut (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody spent last night with LaBri and her family, they went to a new restaurant, The Beach Hut and found  table suited for Melody’s chair. (Melody #024B0114)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo)

Melody doing homework (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went home with CaLa last night. They had a lot of fun, but also did homework together. CaLa made Melody her own math journal. CaLa, like many of her classmates, found that their homes were not well suited for wheelchairs.  (Melody #024B0114)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo)

Melody at Cowells in Santa Cruz (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody went with CarWhi’s family to the famous Cowell’s surf shop. There is an historic mural there. Can you see Melody? (Melody #024B0114)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo)

Melody has Sushi (Submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody was so excited when we got to Santa Cruz. We went inside my house, and dropped our things off. Then, we got back in the car to go to sushi. The sushi place that we went to is called Akira Sushi. The wait was 1 hour and 30 minutes, because the fish was so fresh. Finally, we went home, made s'mores, and went to sleep. (Melody #024B0114)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski)

Meoldy in Tokyo (submitted by John Kolosowski), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Grade 6 students who met Sharon during her visit to Tokyo in 2013. This photo was taken at Tokyo International School. It was great to have Sharon and Melody here with us. We have so many words to express our thanks. 

Melody Reading (submitted by Melissa White)

Melody Reading (submitted by Melissa White), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody is having a blast in Hopkinton, NH! Here she is helping a student to do her reading homework. Thanks Melody for all of your help! (Melody# 055B0414)

Welcome to Hilliard Horizon Melody (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class)

Welcome to Hilliard Horizon Melody (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Here we are with Melody in front of our school! (Melody#058B0414)

Melody on our Sway Fun! (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class)

Melody on our Sway Fun! (submitted by Mrs. Smith's Class), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

We took Melody to recess. This piece of equipment is called a Sway Fun. It is made for children in wheelchairs to play with non-wheelchair peers at the same time!(Melody 058B0414)

Melody Student of the Month (submitted by McMo)

Melody Student of the Month (submitted by McMo), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Farewell to Melody (submitted by Daryle Esswein)

Farewell to Melody (submitted by Daryle Esswein), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody had a brief but action packed visit with us here in Richmond, Texas.  Everyone wanted to be her best friend! (Melody #034B0114) Fourth grade teacher Smith Elementaryhttp://smith4th2014.wordpress.com

Melody's Visit Journal #2 (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody's Visit Journal #2 (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody enjoyed some fresh air outside with my third graders, as well as some time in the computer lab! (Melody #028B0114)

Melody's Visit Journal #1 (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody's Visit Journal #1 (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

My class enjoyed writing and taking pictures during Melody's visit us in South Carolina.  They did a great job documenting her visit and compiling it into a journal to be sent along to the next location! (Melody # 028B0114)

Melody at the long jump (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody at the long jump (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

My third graders at CCES were creative as they took Melody to the track as the class was practicing the long jump. They decided that she could help hold the measuring tape while they jumped! (Melody #028B0114)

Melody visits CCES in Greenville, SC (submitted by Ellen Gordon)

Melody visits CCES in Greenville, SC (submitted by Ellen Gordon), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

​My class of third graders enjoyed a recent visit from Melody​ at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, South Carolina. After reading, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, the students were moved by the powerful message the book brought to them. I thought hard before reading this book to my third graders, as it was not the GRA pick for my grade level, but can honestly say that I've never had a class so invested in a book before this one. They recommended it to other students, parents, and teacher during our school book fair, so much so that additional copies had to be ordered. Many of my own students purchased their own copy to read again, even though we had already read it together. The class discussions in response to this book were so rich, and I feel blessed to have been able to experience this with my class. As we awaited Melody's arrival, we pondered the questions of how we would travel, who would take charge of her, how would we include her, why was she just a chalk outline, and more. I feel that the class developed a better understanding of empathy, as demonstrated through their actions and comments. Melody, and the book, were a large part of our classroom community this year that will hold us together even as these children move forward in the years to come. (Melody #028B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

After touring Tallman House, we ate lunch at Palmer Park, where "Camden's Playground" is located.  It is fully accessible to all!  Melody had a wonderful time, and it was a great way to end our week with her.  We will be sending Melody to Brunson New Vision Charter School in Warren, AR this weekend.  Safe travels, Melody! (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody came on our field trip to Tallman House in Janesville, WI.  Abraham Lincoln slept there and we got to see how a wealthy family lived around the mid to late 1800's. (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

We talked to Kimmie, a 4th grader at our school, who said she loved Melody and the book, Out of My Mind. (Melody #020B0114)

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler

Submitted by Mrs. Diestler, a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Melody came with us to Track & Field.  Although she couldn't participate in some of the events, she could throw a softball and frisbee and she even tried to jump rope! (Melody #020B0114)

Fwd: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler)

Fwd: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Subject: Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler) Melody enjoyed meeting our principal, Mrs. Stuckey, and her daughter, Nora, who is in our class. (Melody #020B0114)

Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler)

Northside Read-In (submitted by Mrs. Diestler), a photo by melodyaroundtheworld on Flickr.

Northside Intermediate School offers a once-a-year opportunity for students to roller skate, participate in crafts, and READ from 6:30-10:00 PM.  Melody participated and loved every minute.  The students begged to push her wheelchair as they roller skated and she was happy to relax and read at the end of the evening.  More pictures can be found on our classroom webpage  http://ift.tt/1q7msql (Melody #020B0114)