Every Child is Special: A Movie Review

Synopsis

             Every Child is Special, with an original Hindi title Taare Zameen Par, is a 2007 Indian drama movie directed and produced by Aamhir Khan. The film manifests the life and imagination of Ishaan, an 8 year old dyslexic child. His poor academic performance makes his parents to decide to send him in a boarding school, not knowing that he excels in art. Lately, Ishaan’s new art teacher observes that he is dyslexic and helps him to overcome his disability. After its international release, the film has received numerous critical acclaims for its one of a kind story offering.

CHARACTERS:

          Darsheel Safary as Ishaan Awashti, the dyslexic child

          Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikumbh, Ishaan’s art teacher

          Tisca Chopra as Maya Awashti, Ishaan’s loving mother

          Vipin Sharma as Nandkishore Awashti, a strict father of Ishaan

          Sachet Engineer as Yohaan Awashti, Ishaan’s elder brother

Critique

                   The script of the movie is done with a great skill. It is realistic and it is very much internalized by the actors and actresses that are suitable for the scene. The actors and actresses in the film carry and show appropriate emotions based on the lines that they deliver. Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan both create the whole film very exciting, and colorful. Despite of Safary’s youth, he already knows how to handle his character being a dyslexic child who cannot focus on what he does and always daydreaming. His emotions on his face make the viewer feel and understand what he feels and imagines. Aamir Khan’s talent also proves that he wants the audience to feel how he empathizes on Safary’s condition-his eyes, his smiles and his actions. He is a kind of teacher who cares about his students, especially to the character of Safary who is aloof and bullied by his other classmates. Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma, who play the character as mother and father to Safary, have the physical features that fit their character as parents. Chopra is a very loving mother to him and Sharma is a father who wants his children to be good at school, but is frustrated by Ishaan’s disability. Sachet Engineer displays love and care for a younger brother who portrays the role as elder brother to Darsheel Safary. 

        The movie’s cinematography contributes to the mood and emotions of the characters, mainly to the mood of Darsheel Safary. It communicates how he really love art and drawing. The colors and movements of shapes, letters and numbers even animals that he draws seem to be alive in his wide imagination. The musical score generates the emotion of the viewers. It is a mix of humor and touching music. It makes your heart smile and melt, especially at the end. Musical background plus the emotion evoked by the actors will bring you to tears. Another point is that the film is also a bit of musical for there is a scene that Aamir Khan sings and dances with the students. It makes the scene very lively, happy and amazing.

                   The casts’ costume is the Indian traditional dress, example, uniform of a teacher in India. Their costume fits on the place they are in-whether in the house, work or school. There is also a clown costume used by Khan when he is on the classroom.

  Every Child is Special is a movie who changed my life in a moment. As I watch the movie, every scene touched my heart, making me realize how a teacher can really make or break a child. I saw how Ram Shankar Nikumbh had encountered some hindrances and challenges in helping his student, Ishaan. It mirrors the true teacher’s heart, making himself the way to conquer a learner’s difficulties, like how Ram Shankar Nikumbh gives his patience and love to deal Ishaan’s disability. As a teacher to be, this movie is indeed a must watch for it is inspiring and an eye opener. What I learned in the story is that never give up on a child no matter how hard it is; help him to discover his own talents and abilities, where he excels. That is how you will shape his life and that is how he will remember you- the one who patiently helped him reach the top.  

Recommendation

                   Every Child is Special is indeed a life mover. It is a movie that you will never regret and forget, but you will treasure throughout your life especially for a teacher. It is a perfect example of how to deal with a student with special needs, and it makes us aware of dyslexia. It teaches us how to have patience, determination, passion and love towards those students who suffer from it. Even it was filmed 9 years ago, it still refreshes our mind about the common scenario in a Special Education class. The film, being about a teacher and a student doesn’t mean that it is for teachers only; all types of audience may watch this amazing movie since it covers all the community setting of a child’s life- the home setting and school setting which greatly affects how a child views his life and himself. I am confident that this movie is worthy. We can all be inspired.

Profile Article

For the Love of Profession

From a simple teacher to being the Education Program Supervisor, Dr. Librada M. Gazzingan has earned so many experiences in teaching and education. Her eagerness, love and passion in education lead her to be one of the catalysts of the rising change in Marikina City’s educational system, most especially in the complete implementation of the K to 12 curriculum. She is married- not to anyone but to her profession.

Though already teaching, she pursued continuing education. As a product of her full determination, she obtained her PhD in English at University of Santo Tomas (UST). Then, she taught English in high school specifically in fourth year at Marikina Science High School for so long, and was later designated as assistant to the principal for instruction of the said school. As designated assistant to the principal for instruction, she observed classes in all areas. She also became a chairman of the English group for 12 years so she experienced teaching in all levels-grade 7, 8, 9 and 10. (From first year to fourth year high school students.) During those years of teaching, she taught for about six hours per day.

Dr. Gazzingan was moonlighting at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar) for almost three years. She taught the following subjects: Research, Language Education, Teaching English as Second Language (TESL), Language Testing, Teaching Listening and Speaking and Teaching Reading and Writing. She added that she enjoyed moonlighting at the university because she was given the rate being a full pledged PhD.

Her love for education brought her internationally and gained the following scholarships: Diploma on Applied Linguistics, second language teaching at Singapore and on Reading Recovery at University of Auckland in New Zealand where she represented the National Capital Region (NCR) last 2010. That was also the year when she stopped teaching inside the classroom.

Before she was transferred to the field of governance, she used to be the high school English supervisor of the division where she became a regional trainer in the high school English.

Now, she gives technical assistance on preparation of documents in putting up private schools. She is in charge of helping the private schools in renewing their government permit to operate and for the other additional requirements. She is also in charge in monitoring their supervisors. She is the focal person of the “Clean, Green and Organize”, in which she roams for about three times a year in order to monitor the said program together with the other specialists.  

News Article

Marikina City’s Stand on K to 12

The city of Marikina, headed by the division office, is now ready for the K to 12 curriculum implementation on different public schools.

Last summer of 2015, the division office, initiated by the former superintendent conducted an advocacy campaign through a parade to show the parents and students that DepEd Marikina is very cooperative and very serious in its implementation.

According to Dr. Librada M. Gazzingan, the Education Program Supervisor, Marikina public schools are very much ready for K to 12 and it is already in full swing. She also added that the lack of materials such as books and classrooms is not a problem, since Congressman Miro Quimbo and former Congressman Marcelino Teodoro make sure that there are enough buildings for senior high school in every barangay in Marikina. In addition, she confirmed that the city has enough and sufficient materials needed for K to 12 although it is not yet all complete.

Furthermore, Marikina Division office send teachers in seminars regarding the content of the particular year level from grades one to ten to train teachers and guide them in its full implementation in the classroom setting.

Moreover, the city government of Marikina shows their full support for the K to 12 by providing a fund allotted for the Department of Education (DepEd) which is called Special Education Fund that is intended to augment the materials needed for the complete implementation of the curriculum.

A Painted Memory

"This is the memory I leave for the one I love,

 and whom I will love forever-the half of my soul.."

It was morning of the 8th of April. The people in the Barrio Kasiglahan missed the warmth of the sun after the chilling season of previous months. Children played happily in the field, chasing each other, ignoring the heat on their skin. The sweat flowing from their foreheads was incessant. The flowers bloomed at their brightest color, giving life to the green pastures and surroundings. Birds were chirping, whistling a morning tune. The smoke from the burning leaves blended with the air, beclouding the new born rays of the rising sun.

Carlita and Sabel, both 12, grew up together. They were sometimes mistaken in their barrio as twins for they were very close to each other that they seem to look the same.They were the best of friends. They always go to school together, play together and their most favorite thing to do is to climb trees and pick fruits. Only when summer arrives that they were able to spend more time together- no school, or even home works to do.

One day, Sabel was waiting for Carlita to go back on their play house under a big mango tree. After a minute, she saw her running. She brought a strange kind of things for their playtime.

"What is that Carling?" Sabel asked. Sabel used to call Carlita in the name of Carling, as her term of endearment.

"I brought these papers, pencils, and different color paints. I asked Kuya Mario to buy me some painting materials when he has extra money." Carlita answered.

"Wow, that's great! we have now something new to do. " Sabel exclaimed.

The best friends were very excited to paint. They never tried to do painting before. They were attracted by the bright colors of the paint. All colors are present, perfect in painting the pleasing scenery of the field, the birds in the sky and their fellow children running and playing. They also thought about something that will symbolize their friendship.

They realize that the sun was about to set.

"Sabel, look at the sunset. It's beautiful, isn' it?"

"Yes, its beautiful.We can try to paint that one too, it's perfect."

"Sabel, can you promise me that I will be your best friend until the end?"

"What are you saying? Of course Carling, I love you and we will be best friends forever."

"I will never leave you, Sabel, I promise."

"Me too, Carling."
Carlita hugged Sabel. "Let's go home now, it's getting dark."

They went home together, holding each other's hands.

The next morning, the weather was not good as the day before. The sun was hidden on a layer of thick, gray clouds. There were no birds that whistle a morning tune. The wind was blowing bravely. Sabel opened the window of their hut. She saw how the leaves of the trees fall from its branches.

"It seems that it will rain huh," Aling Andeng said as she poured hot water to her cup of coffee. "It's summer now but why is the weather like that? Climate change is really happening. The world becomes crazy," she added.

"Don't mind that Andeng, the weather will be fine later. Can you please make me a cup of coffee, too?" Mang Celso said to his wife.

After she took her breakfast, Sabel went to Carlita's hut. She knew that they will continue what they have done yesterday. While approaching, she noticed that their hut was closed. She called Carlita, but no one answered. Butchoy, their dog, just wagged his tail when he saw Sabel.

She wondered why their hut is closed.

"Where did they go?" She asked. "She will be back later. I will just wait for her in our playhouse."

Hours passed. Sabel got tired waiting for Carlita. Besides, it was lunch time. She needs to go home. She walked very sad. Aling Andeng noticed the gloomy face of her child.

"What happened Sabel? Why are you sad?"

Sabel sat down in a chair. "I went to Carlita's hut, but no one was there, even her kuya Mario and Aling Coring."

Aling Andeng answered, " Really? Maybe they go somewhere and buy something important to do. Just wait there. She will be back soon."

Sabel felt a little bit relieved when she heard what her mother said. She was still waiting for Carlita to come back. There were too many thoughts running at the back of her mind. She was fidgety.

A sharp lightning flashed, followed by the rolling thunder. Little by little, the rain started to fall. Sabel couldn't take off her eyes looking at the falling rain, thinking of her bestfriend, Carlita.

It was 4 pm. The rain had stopped. Sabel went outside to wait for Carlita to come home. She started to feel worry. No Carlita or anyone in her family came home.

She cried. Wiping her tears, she went back inside, straight to her room. She started to sulk.

"She left without my knowledge? Where did they go? Even Carling didn't tell me that she will leave."

Sabel felt hurt knowing that her bestfriend- one and only bestfriend in their barrio left her, but who can blame her? Carlita is so important to her. She is her life.

"It was just yesterday that she promised me she will never leave me, but look, I don't know where she is right now." Sabel was sobbing all the time. She was missing Carlita already.

She went outside and ran to their playhouse under the mango tree. Her day is empty without Carlita. She waited for her. On the other side, she wanted to get mad at Carlita for leaving, but she can't. She thought that Carlita has a good reason why she left without telling her.

The sun had set, and Sabel has no choice but to go back home.

"Don't worry Sabel, Carlita will be back tomorrow." Aling Andeng said.

Evening came, and Sabel fell asleep, waiting for Carlita.

It was morning again. Tiny drizzles were still falling. The grasses and the leaves were cuddled by the morning dew. Sabel can't wait to know if Carlita was back, so she went straight to their hut. Running on excitement, she saw Aling Coring, Carlita's mother. Sabel suddenly felt the melancholic atmosphere as she walked and got nearer the hut.

"Good morning Aling Coring, where is Carling?"

There was a moment of silence. Her excitement became impassive.

Sabel felt a peculiar feeling.

Aling Coring just covered her face, and wept.

Sabel wondered why. She didn't know why Aling Coring was crying that hard. Is there something wrong? She thought. She felt the cold breeze wrapped her body.

"Last night, we rushed her to the hospital." Aling Coring said, with a cracked voice.

"Why? Wh...what happened to her? Is Carling alright, Aling Coring?"

Sabel was getting nervous. She couldn't get it.

"Aling Coring, please, tell me.. how is she? When will she be able to come back?"

"Sabel, Carlita will never come back to us.. She left us, Sabel. She's... she's gone."

Her knees started to shake.

Sabel was weakened by the tragic news. She can't move- as if her feet was stapled and glued.

Sabel couldn't believe it, Aling Coring's voice was morbid. It was a nightmare. It was just like yesterday that they were laughing together, under the mango tree, drawing and painting everything they want to.

But it was gone. She was gone.

"How could that happened?" Sabel asked.

"I am sorry, Sabel. I promised her not to tell you that she was sick. She didn't want to tell you that she has leukemia because she didn't want you to feel worry about her. She wanted to get well for you."

Sabel noticed the grief upon Aling Coring's eyes. It was very difficult for her to realize the most painful night of Carlita.

Sabel cried very hard.

"You're unfair, Carlita, you're unfair! Why did you keep the truth from me? We are best friends, aren't we? I could have been helped you. I could have been make you happier. Why did you have to die, Carling? You even promised not to leave me!"

Sabel immediately ran to their hut and told her mother and father about Carling's death.

It was a mournful day for them.

11th of April. The second day after Carlita's death. Sabel still couldn't believe that her best friend passed away. She couldn't help but bring back the days when she and Carling climb up a tree, eating at their playhouse, and she will never forget the last thing that they did- painting. She had to face the days alone, without Carlita.

Mario, Carlita's brother, called Sabel. She felt so heavy inside because she knows that it's about Carlita.

"I saw this in Carlita's bag. I know she made this for you."

Mario gave her a small-sized box with a ribbon. When she opened it, she saw a bracelet made of plastic beads, pictures and a painting of two girls, smiling blissfully, holding each other's hand. Her tears started to fall. On the right lower side of the painting, this message was written:

This is the memory I leave for the one I love, 

and whom I will love forever- the half of my soul. 

I'll be here beside you forever, as I promised. 

I love you Sabel, until we hold each other's hands again.

Sabel looked up to the sky. 

"May you rest in peace, Carling. Even its hard for me to accept that you left, I will try to be happy for you. I am sorry. You will have a place in my heart forever. Thank you for all."

Sabel smiled, and hugged the little painting- just how she used to hug her best friend, Carlita.

I dream a dream

I dream a dream
Of what will I be
Alone in this bivouac
Is just the ceiling and me

I was filled by the light
Of the sun flaring my desire
Flashing through my heart
From the firmament above
Are years I ventured
My morrow, Oh bright!

Anon, I stumble
I stand like a strand
For I've smelled the fragrance
Of success beforehand

Woven in the threads of teaching
Bounded by the nylon of faith
Catenated by cobwebs of learning
Is I who dream a dream
Of leading the nation
On the same light I received.

At Its Best
By: BSE 401- English

Strings of memories haunt this dame
Circle of friends grow in fain
Threads of destiny we're woven
Bundles are joy by sorrow's striden

Gray room hides curves in our face
Proofs of obstacles embrace
Standards are set for any movement
For pale habits are of no moment

Walls and ceilings witness the bond
Hatreds blown by the winds so fond
Grains of dust can even attest
Bar light of knowledge flaring at its best

Cobwebs along with the times we endure
In screw of sanity decisions unsure
But Masking tape paves its way
Cracked journeys in soon array

Like water making a pipe rust
Friendship can't live without trust
For we are wings of butterflies
Absence of one takes us no high

Clovers

Standing in front of the mirror

I pretend to wear a smile

Concealing the pain I feel inside

Trying to move on for a while.

I'm asleep but I'm awake

I said I don't love you but it's fake

You said we'll be counting stars together

Keeping each other's heart until the end of time.

In the sweet garden, surrounded by green, lovely clovers

With you, I felt I was one of them

You picked one and I started to wonder

When you put it on my ear like a flower.

Your little brown eyes and your sweet, dainty smile

Made me stop and stare at you for a while

We sang our song, I loved it for so long

I thought it wouldn't end our time.

But now, those things are over

Our song is an unfinished harmony

And the cloverleaf that reminds me of our forever

Withered, like your love that seemed to never loved me.

But despite the pain I want you to know

No matter where you are, I'm still willing to go

To search for you and for the missing piece

Of my longing heart and seal it with a kiss.

In the sweet garden, surrounded by green, lovely clovers

That remind me how you loved me somehow

I hope and pray, that when I pick one

Is the way you'll be back and say, "You're still the one."

Beyond Indulgence

  
   For us Filipinos, Adobo is a popular delicacy. This popularity gives us our own unique identity.This dish has an enchanting flavor that tickles our taste buds, so we cannot just resist its savor. Just like the prominent Adobo, Education defines our character in the society we belong. It is something that we will never take for granted because we all know the value of being an educated one. Adobo is always present on our menu, so as Education is one of the things that we most prioritize in our life.

google.com/images

       Moreover, cooking Adobo is like Teaching. You must know how to prepare your heart, mind and soul to become a good educator, just like knowing how to prepare the basic ingredients of the dish. In cooking a delish Adobo, you need the common ingredients.  Likewise, a good teacher must have: a pinch of wit, a spoonful of knowledge, a cup of patience and sacrifice, and a big bowl of love. Adobo can be twisted by adding other ingredient to make it more satisfying. It only proves that we, Filipinos do not hesitate to make our food more exciting and special. In the same way, teaching with a variety of strategies and techniques make learning effective and enjoyable. Therefore in teaching, we should not also be afraid to try all the good ways to achieve the best.

        Cooking undergoes procedures.We have to saute, to boil, and to simmer the ingredients. In teaching, motivating our students first is like stirring their minds before immersing them in the lesson or activities. We should let the students take their time in coping up with the lesson before going to another one.  Next, boiling the dish makes the flavor bite in, thus throwing thought provoking questions make the brain of the learners boil for they are able to think deeply, critically and intensively. Lastly, simmering is a preparation, and it is where we put the pepper and bay leaves for a never to forget aroma. Pepper and bay leaves are like students' daily life experiences; taking those experiences into consideration make long lasting learning that enables them to prepare and to face whatever life may bring.

google.com/images

          Education and Adobo are both food- a food for a hungry mind and for a hungry stomach. Sharing your Adobo dish with your family or friends makes eating happy and satisfying, so as educating others is fulfilling and gratifying. Together with this, I am sure that there are many who are craving not just for something to eat, but also for something to learn, that is why aside from having enough rice for an extra after a plate, we should have enough knowledge and skills needed. After all the effort and patience, you can enjoy now the soothing taste of your Adobo. Just as in Education and Teaching, our hardships and sacrifices will be rewarded. That will be our investments to make the fruit of success even sweeter than what we expect. That is the flavor beyond indulgence.

Endless Journey

Endless Journey

source:GoogleImages

A captain crossed an ocean to look for a new island

A traveler walked a mile on a hot, desert sand

Seemed as the wind took them to a long, endless journey

No one knew where it leads.

The Captain felt empty and out of purpose

Like the unfathomable ranges of the sea,

The traveler's heart was consumed by feebleness,
Their hopes vanished like clouds above the hopeful sky.

Fate moved along their path

They met each other's eyes

The traveler was speechless 

Like an innocent, by gaze, was mesmerized.

source: GoogleImages

The captain saw the tears coming down from the traveler's eyes

A mirror of his blear peregrination;

A chance of being lucky to find a dependable shoulder

A chance of being lucky to find a self-fulfilling expedition.

The captain wiped the traveler's tears away

Disappeared, like silver dust in the wind.

Together, they took the long endless journey

Now, they both know where it leads.

"Like the captain, the teacher looks for her true purpose after going through a long journey of preparation, while just like a traveler, a student feels lost, hoping to be found by a teacher who is willing to be a shoulder, to be a hope and willing to be with him to go through an endless journey of LEARNING."

Key Ingredients to be a Super TEACHER :)

All you need are:


A spoonful of  KNOWLEDGE,

                       A cup of PATIENCE,

                               A bowl of SACRIFICE,

                                             A pinch of HAPPINESS.

   and to complete,

                    Season it with lots and lots of LOVE!

http://yourteachersaide.blogspot.com/

TOP ways to SUCCESS:

1. T- TRUST yourself. Never put yourself down. Show what you've got! Don't let your weakness swallow you. Remember, before others trust you, you should start to trust yourself first! in the end, you will taste the sweet success.

2. O- be OPTIMISTIC. Think positive ever single moment. Encourage yourself by saying "I can do this". Take a deep breath, and focus yourself on the brighter side of the event. Don't give yourself a chance to be a pessimist! As the saying goes, give your best and God will do the rest.

3. P- PRAY. Save the best for the last. This is the most important key for you to open the door of success.You can do nothing without God who is always the source of our strength and wisdom that help us to succeed. Your faith will uplift you! Never forget to pray because nothing is impossible to Him. So, if you succeed, pray,pray, pray!

God Bless Everyone !

:)micahalea