Monday, February 25, 2008

Thank you, Mr. Falker

Thank you, Mr. Falker
Patricia Polacco
Philomel Books, 1998
Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
Summary: This is a true story about Patricia and her struggles with dyslexia during her school years. This is the story she tells of her teacher, who she claims "changed everything for her."
Her real teacher's name was Mr. Felker and she says in her book dedication: "You will forever be my hero."
The young girl in the story is named Trisha. Ever since she can remember, her family has read to her. She loves stories and is very excited when she goes into kindergarten. She can't wait to learn to read! However, by first grade, Trisha was not learning to read like the other children. While they could read aloud to the class by themselves, the teacher has to help Trisha with every word. She began to feel different and dumb. Her grandmother encouraged her and reminde her that she is smart, quick and dear. When her grandmother passed away, school started to get harder. Not long after, her Mom got a new teaching job in California and they moved from Michigan to California.
At the new school, Trisha was teased by other kids because she could not read or give the right answers in class. She never wanted to go to school! But in the fifth grade, Trisha's life was changed by the new teacher Mr. Falker. He encouraged her with her drawings, telling her that she is brilliant. When other students laughed at her, he stopped them, rebuking them. However, this did not stop them from teasing her when Mr. Falker was not around. During recess, she would hide in the dark under the inside stairwell so they could not call her names.
One day Mr. Falker asked Trisha to stay after school to help wash the blackboards. He asked her to write the letter or number that he shouted out with the sponge. He told her they were playing a game. When Trisha realized that the letters and numbers did not look the way they were supposed to, she tried to run. Mr. Falker grabbed her by the arm and said, "You poor baby. You think you're dumb, don't you? How awful for you to be so lonely and afraid." Mr. Falker promised her that she would be able to read and indeed she did! She worked every day afterschool with Mr. Falker and the reading specialist. Three or four months into the special help with her teachers, Trisha could read a whole paragraph that made sense! She was so happy that she cried tears of joy.
Response: This book made me realize what a great impact teachers can have on students! Mr. Falker made quite an impact on Trisha's life all because he cared for her. He stood up for her when the other children teased her and he took the time to provide extra help for her after school. I want to be this kind of teacher-one who cares deeply about my students and will try my best to help them in any way possible.
This book also helped me realize that something should be done in the schools about bullying. When a teacher realizes that a student is being bullied or teased, she/he should try to put an end to this the best way she can. For example, maybe she can talk to the bully or provide postive attention to this student, since this is what they are seeking in the first place-attention.
Teaching Ideas: This is a great book to use to teach students about disorders such as dyslexia. Students can also be introduced to other learning diabilities, such as ADHD or ADD. Students should realize that this can affect the way that their other classmates learn. Therefore, they need to be patient with one another and help each other when the time is appropriate.
Teacher can also have students place themselves in the place of Trisha when she was being teased. She would cry, not want to go to school, and hide in the dark staircase during recess. How would they feel if they were treated in this way? Teacher can stress that they need to be very careful about how they treat others. Are they treating others with kindness, using kind words and including all friends/classmates in activties or games?

1 comment:

Dr. Frye said...

Oh Rachel...you have hit the mother-lode with Patricia Polacco! These last 2 posts are 2 of my all-time favorite picture books; they are just so powerful and are written with raw emotion! Your critiques have been so well-written and very thorough! I am also pleased to see you pick up on the theme of bullying. Please check out her web site for more on "Don't let kids get your goat."
www.patriciapolacco.com