Describe Mrs. Valencia. What role does she play in Melody's

After reading Out of My Mind, choose at least 3 questions to reflect upon and share your answers with examples and supporting details in at least 3-4 paragraphs with the class:

• Describe Mrs. Valencia. What role does she play in Melody's development? Why is she a necessary addition to Melody's life?
• The cover of the novel is of Melody's goldfish Ollie. How are Melody's and Ollie's lives similar?
• Do you feel a connection to Melody? Have you ever had trouble expressing your thoughts and feelings? What was that experience like?
• What is Elvira and how will it change Melody's life?
• What are some lessons you can take away from this novel when working with students who cannot speak?
• How does the inclusion program change Melody's school experiences? Describe both positive and negative results of the program.
• Compare Mrs. Billings (the teacher that taught Melody's H-5 class the alphabet every day) to Mrs. Shannon (Melody's H-5 teacher this year). How are they the same? How are they different?
• The word "retarded" is used a number of times in Out of My Mind. Why might the author have chosen to include such an offensive and outdated term?

the book https://youtu.be/XW5UuWz47m4?si=BvfROveqCBDh3RTD