tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post797203398099145747..comments2015-10-25T17:13:00.573-04:00Comments on CIS Parent/Student Book Club 2015: CIS Parent Book Club - Week OneHolly Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00476411667354933648noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-37923086719822522852015-09-29T16:42:33.789-04:002015-09-29T16:42:33.789-04:007) The way Melody describes each child in room H-5...7) The way Melody describes each child in room H-5 tells a lot about Melody's heart for people. She's honest about each one and even has a sense of humor about their characteristics, but she finds a gift they each possess. For example, she describes Ashley as "our fashion model" (I love how she says "our"), Carl is "good with his hands", and Maria is "fun to be around". We should all be as intuitive as Melody and look for everyone's strengths!Holly Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00476411667354933648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-29518694176991735402015-09-29T16:37:27.138-04:002015-09-29T16:37:27.138-04:00It's so important that children feel validated...It's so important that children feel validated by someone who listens to their hopes, dreams, and concerns! Adults can sometimes be so busy - we forget to take the time to stop and really listen. Holly Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00476411667354933648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-3762672894358414892015-09-29T16:35:57.132-04:002015-09-29T16:35:57.132-04:00I like that distinction - sympathy is more passive...I like that distinction - sympathy is more passive while empathy requires action. Yes!Holly Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00476411667354933648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-9973039001208589282015-09-29T16:35:09.830-04:002015-09-29T16:35:09.830-04:00That's so interesting that you actually have a...That's so interesting that you actually have a physical response when imagining putting yourself in Melody's shoes. That's true empathy!! I love how you say that Melody's mother and Mrs. V are her voice. Thank goodness Melody has parents and a friend who stand up for her in such an impactful way. All children should have champions like that who believe in them!Holly Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00476411667354933648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-16961703718554420702015-09-29T01:02:57.209-04:002015-09-29T01:02:57.209-04:00It is a bittersweet moment when Melody has a laugh...It is a bittersweet moment when Melody has a laugh and embrace with her mother and then wishes she could tell her that she loves her. A simple statement that I take for granted. We say it a lot, but I don't know that we acknowlegde the priviledge that it is to be able to be together and say it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08217275951411778260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-63715747800820063852015-09-29T00:50:45.632-04:002015-09-29T00:50:45.632-04:002. Hi! I've been thinking about the perspecti...2. Hi! I've been thinking about the perspective of the narrator. At first I thought it was a great book for the 5th graders because the narrator was in 5th grade. Now, I realize that the children might be able to relate with Melody's situation in a deeper way. Kids today are not just seen, they are also heard, oh boy do we hear from them! Even so, they have so many thoughts, dreams, hopes, and, yes, even words, that are not given the weight or value that they might like. It is now around this age that they are on the cusp of finally being able to turn their words and dreams into reality, if only someone will listen! <br />~Cori RoyerAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08217275951411778260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-75260750729796008002015-09-28T16:35:32.610-04:002015-09-28T16:35:32.610-04:00I like Mrs. V's spirit ! As I tried to discus...I like Mrs. V's spirit ! As I tried to discuss these questions with my daughter I heard "Dad, you are so far behind us !" The goldfish jumping out stands out most to me so far--and then I see it on the cover.....Kirk Knollman (Kayley's dad)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-44304446498833147162015-09-28T12:42:58.747-04:002015-09-28T12:42:58.747-04:009) Catie has been talking a great deal about empa...9) Catie has been talking a great deal about empathy vs. sympathy. She seems to have a very clear understanding of the difference, which can be difficult to grasp. In the book, it seems that Rose sympathizes with Melody, while Mrs. V. has empathy for Melody. Rose "feels sorry for" Melody, while Mrs. V. is attempting to see Melody's situation from Melody's perspective. It's an important lesson to learn, as I believe sympathy is more passive while empathy requires action and/or effort.vargoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409515947194418592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-41170901052767384272015-09-28T11:23:31.149-04:002015-09-28T11:23:31.149-04:006. This is my favorite part of the story so far! I...6. This is my favorite part of the story so far! It breaks my heart to think of Melody overhearing the terrible things Dr. Hugely says about her, and the way he encourages her mother to give up. In this moment, we realize that Melody may not have a physical voice, but she does have a voice through her mother and the other people in her life, like her father and Mrs. V., who will be a champion for her. Even still, the word that constantly enters my mind as I read about Melody's challenges is "trapped." I can't imagine the frustration she must feel to be unable to communicate in the traditional sense. As I try to put myself in her shoes, I physically start to feel short of breath, as if I am trapped in a small space. The desire to find out how she copes and rises above it keeps me reading!Michelle Gallitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05070029314533937004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-4897394871425350402015-09-28T11:11:18.315-04:002015-09-28T11:11:18.315-04:003. Music has a wonderful impact on our household. ...3. Music has a wonderful impact on our household. If we're not listening to it, we're playing the piano or singing at the top of our lungs! Music can bring about a change of emotion and mood, regardless of language. Michelle Gallitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05070029314533937004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-48718821652758128352015-09-28T11:05:33.909-04:002015-09-28T11:05:33.909-04:00I agree Kirk. A tremendous blessing and incredible...I agree Kirk. A tremendous blessing and incredible responsibility! Sometimes I feel like I'm really goofing it up, but then I remember something my own mom said to me. "Parents are still learning. They've never been parents before and they're going to make mistakes now and then." This helps me to forgive myself when I miss the mark. The responsibility is great, but the joy is greater!Michelle Gallitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05070029314533937004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-80968472232705436772015-09-25T13:46:00.447-04:002015-09-25T13:46:00.447-04:0011. Butterscotch ! Unconditional love, friendsh...11. Butterscotch ! Unconditional love, friendship and trust. Not all people in this world are animal people--and they miss the pure emotions, responsibilities and joys. Butterscotch gave her hope, fun, love and importantly a reason to keep going every day. Much brighter feelings than the goldfish, whose ending hurt so much--especially how her mother reacted ! Kirk Knollman (Kayley's dad)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689032514762859941.post-84337922544092325482015-09-25T12:32:08.484-04:002015-09-25T12:32:08.484-04:0013. Being a parent: a great blessing, responsib...13. Being a parent: a great blessing, responsibility, a whirlwind ride of great joys and some drama ! It's passing down lessons that we passed to me when I was that age--yes, parents were children once too! I still remember great times with my great grandfather, and grandfather after him -- soak up all of the stories and lessons that you can ! The best part is being able to open doors and see what great new experiences are still ahead ! Kirk Knollman (Kayley's dad)noreply@blogger.com