1. Out of My Mind Written by: Sharon M. Draper Created by: Janet Kilburg
Final Project for Children’s and Adolescent’s Literature
Viterbo University - Dr. Lynda Fernholz - November 2015

2. Contextual Factors
The following Out of My Mind book study unit will be the focus at the beginning of the semester in my middle school reading class.
This class consists of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders with a wide variety of reading abilities.

3. Contextual Factors
Out of My Mind was selected as the focus of this book study because it came highly recommended from other adolescent readers.
It is my first year in this position, teaching reading at the middle school level instead of solely second grade, so I wanted a very engaging book that was well liked.
This novel was also selected because there are so many lessons to be learned from this story by every reader. I think it is important for my students to learn about compassion, empathy, and kindness.

4. Essential Questions
What can we do to accept the differences of others?
How can we confront someone that is being mean or disrespectful to someone else?
What can we do on a daily basis to improve the lives of the people around us?

5. Background Knowledge
Have you ever judged someone by the way they looked on the outside, but then had the opportunity to get to know them on the inside and changed your viewpoint of them?
Have you ever had someone judge you without getting to know you?
Why do people commonly use the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”

6. Inference
Students will preview the title and the illustration on the cover, along with the story description on the back of the book to create predictions about the story.
Students will write 4-5 sentences about their predictions.
Students will share their predictions with a desk partner.
Students may volunteer to share their predictions with the class.
The teacher will reference the illustration on the cover of the book and lead a discussion about students’ thoughts of the illustration.

7. Background Knowledge/Inference
Students will watch an interview of Sharon M. Draper, the author of Out of My Mind, where she speaks solely about the book.
After watching the interview, students will write one sentence on a post-it note that states why they think the author chose to write this novel.
Display post-it notes on the board. (we will revisit these post-its after reading the book)

8. Story Vocabulary
The teacher will point out a few vocabulary words that students will encounter in the text and discuss these words with the students.
cerebral palsy - a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and/or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth
shrieked - a loud, sharp, high pitched cry or laugh
inclusion - the act of being a part of a whole, contained
preliminary - preceding or leading up to the main part
alternate - a person authorized to fill the position of another

9. Text User
Enjoy reading the novel in several ways: teacher read aloud, student read aloud, partner read, or read independently
Use exit slips as a way of checking comprehension, ideas, and thoughts throughout the reading of the novel
Engage students in whole group discussions and individual conferences while reading the novel
Encourage students to find ways to empathize with Melody during their reading

10. Comprehension
Chapter 1 of this novel begins with a strong use of language. “What does this tell you about the narrator?” Have students do a Think- Pair-Share about the characteristics of the narrator.
Display a web on the smartboard and encourage students to add their thoughts about the narrator.
Discuss the list of words in chapter 1. “Why do you think the author chose to write these words in this format?”

11. Comprehension
In your opinion, who is a person that has been influential in Melody’s life? Be prepared to share with the class.
What emotions did you feel as you were reading this/these chapter(s)?
How do you feel towards the other participants on the quiz team?
If you were Rose, how would you have reacted to how Molly and Claire treated Melody?

12. Comprehension
Use a Venn Diagram to compare Melody (the main character) to another character in this book. Possible choices: her mother, her father, Mrs. Valencia, Mr. Dimming, Rose, Claire, Maria, Catherine, etc... ?

13. Comprehension
Create a flow-chart to show how Melody changed throughout the story. You may use the format below or create your own chart.

14. Comprehension - Quick Writing in Journals
Do you think Melody is smart? List 3 examples to support your answer.
Describe how Melody’s father treats her.
Describe Mrs. Valencia (Mrs. V). Why is she an important part of Melody’s life?
What is the significance of the author including the story of Ollie the Fish?
Explain one example of how you can relate to Melody.

15. Comprehension - Quick Writing in Journals
List two characteristics that describe Melody. Use examples to support your answer.
Describe how the Medi-Talker changed Melody’s life.
How do you think Melody felt after making the quiz team? Explain a time in your life when you have had a similar experience.
Describe why it was so important for Melody to go to school in Chapter 30. If you were her, what would you have done?

16. Text Critic
After reading this novel, display charts for students to record their thoughts about the Essential Questions we discussed prior to reading.
What can we do to accept the differences of others?
How can we confront someone that is being mean or disrespectful to someone else?
What can we do on a daily basis to improve the lives of the people around us?

17. Text Critic Post-reading reflections:
Describe what it would be like to be Melody for one day. Write about your thoughts and struggles.
Name one lesson that you learned from this story. Describe how you will live your daily life differently because of learning this lesson.
Compare and contrast a situation that you have had to deal with that is similar to Melody’s.
Would you recommend Out of My Mind to someone else? Who? Why?

18. Text Critic
Students will choose one of the following projects to share in small groups:
Write a letter of encouragement to Melody.
Include the 5 components of a friendly letter (date, greeting, body, closing, and signature)
It may be handwritten or typed
Create a poster of characteristics to describe Melody.
You may use markers, colored pencils, crayons, paint, pencils, etc...

19. Other Books by Sharon M. Draper
Enjoy these selections too by the same author!

20. Learn More About the Author
Visit Sharon M. Draper’s official website to read her biography, a brief description of her many books, and other facts about her.

21. Enjoy Reading!
If you enjoyed Out of My Mind, you might also enjoy reading: