Thank You Mr Falker Tom's Special Talent Sparknotes

In Patricia Polacco’s biography, Thank You Mr. Falker, It’s Called Dyslexia by Jennifer Moore, Tom’s Special Talent by Kate Gaynor, and The Alphabet War by Diane Burton Robb, dyslexia is presented in a visually appealing format in which children can understand. Children sometimes have difficulty understanding that just because someone thinks or learns differently than them, it doesn’t mean they are less intelligent. These books can be the inspiration that encourages a child with dyslexia not to give up, but these books are also a great resource for teachers in order to create a more accepting classroom environment.

Patricia Polacco’s biography, Thank You Mr. Falker tells of her struggles as a student with undiagnosed dyslexia. She started school full of high hopes about learning to read. Her mother was a school teacher and her grandpa put a huge emphasis on the connection between reading and knowledge. Her first year of school was met with disappointment when she simply couldn’t figure out the letters. As time progressed students began to make fun of her, and she began to feel dumb. This little girl went from loving school to dreading it

His teacher, Miss Jolly, was a great teacher who sang and did a lot of activities; however, Tom did not like the reading and writing part of the day, and he has grown to dread it. Ms. Jolly pulls Tom aside and tells him that people have different ways of learning but everyone has attributes that make them unique. Tom asserts that just because he has dyslexia it doesn’t mean that he isn’t as smart. The principal announces that the school’s 50th anniversary is approaching, and that there will be a competition for the greatest representation of the theme ‘Celebrate our School.’ Sam makes the winning entry, which a panting that highlights everyone’s best talents. Though making this painting, Sam discovers that his special talent is