Gifted Hands, A Teacher’s Perspective by Charlene Davis part two of a two-part series
The teacher of this classroom has just completed her first year in the profession. I introduced her to the book Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story by Gregg and Deborah Lewis, in the hopes that it would demonstrate how the power of literature can bring about change in students’ thinking. As her mentor, I wanted to share an approach that I believed would provide good success with tough behavior-management issues. In this case, we were working with a special education class of fourth and fifth grade boys. Through our collaboration on this project, we experienced great success, as evidenced in the changed perspectives we saw in our youngsters regarding improving their behavior choices (see part one of this series). Below, is the teacher’s feedback from our study of Dr. Ben Carson’s childhood.
Q: How did this book affect you as a teacher? What impact did it have on your students and in their outlook on life?
I found this book inspiring to use with my students. I saw, firsthand, the power that it has to change lives for the better.
The book showed me how important high-interest is for “hooking” students into an area of study, or focus, that you want to direct them to.
I also witnessed the power that this book offered in that the students strongly identified with Dr. Carson’s childhood learning struggles, and anger issues. It opened them up to great discussions about topics that touched them.
I enjoyed watching my students gain a greater appreciation for the contribution that a dedicated parent can offer. At the same time, I think they also realized that despite the greatest efforts by the best parent, a child has to be willing to want to do better for himself.
I would definitely use this book again; I consider it to be motivational for anyone!
I’ve discovered that I need to use more books that have a positive outcome. I also need to use more books that relate to my students’ needs and interests.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me.
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