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)