In 2010, Sharon Draper brought Melody to life in Out of My Mind. Melody is a young girl whose mind is full of curiosity and vast amounts of information but Cerebral Palsy makes it difficult for her to participate and communicate with her classmates and peers. Out of My Mind helps the reader look at disabilities and accessibility differently. Sharon M. Draper followed up with pre-teen Melody looking for the independence and experiences that all girls her age strive for in the inspiring tale of Out of My Heart. Draper is back with part three in Melody’s journey, with Out of My Dreams, this time taking her across the ocean to London!
As educators, one of our most important responsibilities is to introduce our students to literature that not only captivates their imaginations but also challenges their thinking and sparks meaningful conversations. Sharon M. Draper’s novel Out of My Dreams is an outstanding choice for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, offering a rich narrative that touches on key themes of identity, perseverance, and the power of dreams.
Benefits of Using Out of My Dreams in Your Classroom:
- Engaging Storyline with Relatable Characters: Out of My Dreams follows the journey of a young girl named Melody, who faces the challenges of living with a disability. Draper’s writing brings Melody’s world to life, with vibrant characters and a story that is both mindful and hopeful. Melody’s perseverance and determination in the face of adversity will resonate deeply with students, helping them connect to the story on a personal level.
For students who may be dealing with their own personal struggles, Melody’s story provides a powerful sense of empathy and understanding. As a teacher, you can use the novel to spark discussions about empathy, resilience, and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams—no matter the obstacles in the way.
- Promotes Diversity and Inclusivity: Sharon M. Draper is known for her ability to tell stories that highlight diverse experiences. In Out of My Dreams, readers are introduced to a protagonist who has cerebral palsy, giving students an opportunity to explore the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. This opens up discussions about the importance of inclusivity, the challenges people with disabilities face, and how society’s perceptions of disability are often shaped by stereotypes.
In a world where diversity and inclusivity are central topics, Out of My Dreams provides an excellent opportunity to discuss and challenge societal views about ability, difference, and the importance of seeing beyond the surface.
- Themes of Overcoming Adversity: Melody’s story is not just one of struggle; it is a story of triumph. Throughout the novel, Melody learns to embrace her abilities, take pride in who she is, and push through physical, mental, and emotional barriers. This can be an incredibly valuable lesson for students, especially those who may be facing their own personal challenges.
The theme of perseverance and overcoming adversity is universal and can inspire students to confront their own obstacles with determination. Whether students are struggling with self-esteem, schoolwork, or personal circumstances, Melody’s journey shows that the power of self-belief can be transformative.
- Rich Opportunities for Critical Thinking and Discussion: Sharon M. Draper has a unique ability to blend real-world issues into her novels, encouraging students to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions. In Out of My Dreams, students will be prompted to think about the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family and support systems in our lives, and the societal pressures that affect how we view ourselves and others.
In addition to these themes, the novel’s narrative structure and use of symbolism offer great opportunities for literary analysis. Teachers can guide students through discussions about character development, symbolism, and the author’s use of language, while also encouraging students to make personal connections with the text.
- Inspiring Writing Prompts and Creative Assignments: Teachers can incorporate Out of My Dreams into various aspects of their curriculum, from reading comprehension exercises to creative writing prompts. For instance, students could be asked to write about a time when they overcame a challenge, much like Melody does in the story. Or they could explore how dreams and goals play a role in their own lives, much like Melody’s pursuit of her dream of dancing.
Creative assignments based on the novel—such as writing from Melody’s perspective or developing a new scene that addresses a key theme—will help students engage deeply with the material and explore their own creativity.
- Cross-Curricular Connections: Out of My Dreams lends itself well to integration with other subjects. For instance, the science of disabilities and the social and emotional aspects of living with a disability can be explored in science or health classes. The novel also offers connections to history and social studies, particularly in discussions about societal attitudes toward disabilities and diversity.
By linking the novel to other subjects, you can create a more comprehensive learning experience for your students that promotes interdisciplinary thinking and deeper understanding.
- Promotes Empathy and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The emotional depth of Out of My Dreams makes it an excellent resource for social-emotional learning (SEL). The novel provides opportunities to discuss important aspects of SEL such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills.
Melody’s interactions with her family, friends, and the larger community provide a platform to discuss themes of kindness, respect, and understanding. Teachers can facilitate discussions about how we treat others who are different from us and the importance of building inclusive, supportive communities.
Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Dreams is more than just a novel—it’s a tool for teaching empathy, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity. Through its rich characters, relevant themes, and opportunities for critical thinking, it offers countless benefits for classroom use. Whether used to spark discussion, inspire writing, or create interdisciplinary connections, this novel will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your students. By including Out of My Dreams in your curriculum, you’re not only introducing your students to an unforgettable story—you’re helping them develop the tools they need to face the world with courage and compassion.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Out of My Dreams, which includes informational reading activities about Cerebral Palsy and London for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Out of My Heart
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
You can also buy Out of My Mind, Out of My Heart, and Out of My Dreams bundled together at a discount!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!
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