Taare Zameen Par :)

Taare Zameen Par is a splendid movie and Amir khan can be congratulated for bringing dyslexia as a theme of a Hindi movie.

This thought provoking, tears-inducing, pulse pulsating movie has certainly moved many hearts today.

Taare Zameen Par is a 2007 critically acclaimed Bollywood film directed and produced by veteran Indian actor Aamir Khan about the struggles of a child suffering from dyslexia. The cast includes Darsheel Safary in the main lead who plays the dyslexic child and Aamir Khan who plays the role of the teacher.

This movie mainly revolves around the life of a young boy. As the first scene opens with a dirty looking kid running down a bus and then trampling into a puddle of mud, one's mind is brought to imagine how mischievous and naughty this boy is. However, as the story unfolds, viewers are brought to a different perspective of this boy... it is then that we notice : HE HAS A PROBLEM!

Naturally, as teachers to be we are concerned about the four main skills a child needs to attain. Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking is an integral part to school going kids. In this movie, the boy is portrayed to have a difficulty in reading and writing.

His teacher even said "It feels like i'm reading Russian" which aroused a roar of laughter from all of us at class.

However, when I took some time to think about it, this is indeed a sad position to be in. Depressing for that poor boy. Heart-wrenching for his parents. Headache for his teachers.

It is worst when the story cleverly plots the story in such a way that this dyslexic boy has an incredibly intelligent older brother. He is being compared mercilessly.

OFF he goes, from one school to another.. this time a boarding school, in hope that he'd be more serious with his work.

Alas, unknown to his concerned parents, this little boy suffers from Dyslexia.

The rest of the film maker unfolds with the appearance of a dedicated and wonderful teacher who seemed to understand the plight of this little boy.

It didn't take me long to guess the ending of this story, or the fact that the teacher himself was also a Dyslexic.

:) Nevertheless, two thumbs and ten toes up for this beautifully illustrated movie.

I'm really enjoying all the movies that has been carefully planned for our view this semester. Indeed, I've benefited a lot from watching 'Teacher' stories.

The Merry Maid meets A Great Injustice

=)

Finally, am completely done with my position paper!

WHEE~

I'm truly grateful that I was able to find time to work at it, given the pack schedule and varsity involvements that I am in this semester.

Anyway, let's take a sneak peek into what's 'steaming' in this "Merry Maid" story and how this "Great Injustice" comes into play!

My mighty, unwavering STAND on this is :

TADAAA..AA.A~

THE IRRESPONSIBLE ACT OF PREMARITAL SEX LEADS TO PAIN AND MISERY

I came up with various strong points to provide support to this position of mine.

Point 1 :

Premarital sex brought about unwanted pregnancy in both “The Merry Maid” and “A Great Injustice.” Although society might not condone premarital sex, they are not as lackadaisical and merciful when it comes to the issue of having a child out of wedlock. A ‘love child’ is a sheer embarrassment and is still a taboo amongst many amidst the modern way of life. This leads to pain and misery.

Point 2 :

Lakshmi and Ah Nya’s actions caused them to both act irresponsibly towards their child. Their preoccupation with concealing the embarrassment had caused their innocent child to suffer their consequences of premarital sex. Lakshmi was too young and could not afford to fend for her child. She decided to abandon her child in hope that someone better off could take good care of the baby. This act left emotional scars for years to come both on Lakshmi.

Similarly, Ah Nya chose to abort her child, denying his rights to live. This act of murder is outrageous and unjustifiable to the baby.

Point 3 :

As a result of premarital sex, both Lakshmi and Ah Nya had to deal with the guilt forever. The unwanted pregnancy served as a constant reminder that lives were created unintentionally and decisions were made irresponsibly. Their guilt became etched into their lives, be it physically, mentally or emotionally. Lakshmi was haunted by “seventeen years of misery.”

Point 4 :

The consequences which resulted from the act of premarital sex brings shame and also trouble to the family and other people around.

In the example of Lakshmi, her abandoned child became a responsibility for another family. As Lakshmi relieved her duty, someone else felt the need to provide care for the baby. The Datin who took care of Sakinah had to be confronted with the trouble which comes with raising a teenager.

As for Ah Nya, her parents had to be exposed to public humiliation and scorn for not raising their daughter properly. Also, they bore the pain and burden together with her as if it was their own.

All these points directly shows that "Premarital sex in both "The Merry Maid" and "A Great Injustice" has led to pain and misery.

I count it a privilege to be able to hold such a view in the perverse and crooked society today. As people casually brush these seemingly 'taboo' subjects aside, I would want to advocate this notion loud and clear to all the couples out there, in hope that the two characters, LAKSHMI and AH NYA might serve as a reminder of the consequences of premarital sex.

With the increasingly pervading issue of abortion taking place in our country, this matter is worthy of all considerations and I believe it to be a right time to propagate this stand of mine

:)

"Mona lisa Smile" for All

As usual, movie time evoked the excitement within me. The title "Mona Lisa Smile" came across as a queer one.

Whisperings could be heard : "Whose smile?"... "Ape ni, muvie senyum?"

However, when the protagonist and several outstanding casts such as : Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, and Julia Stiles were flashed across the screen, the classed dissolved into utter silence.

We spent two classes watching this brilliant movie.

Having studied in an all-girls' school all my primary and secondary school life, I smiled at the recollection this movie had brought me into.

Walking down memory lane, I thought of the English teachers that used to teach me : the funny ones, scary ones, lazy ones, and... the best ones.

Mona Lisa Smile, an American film written by Lawrence Konner has got me spellbound.

I watched with great anticipation as I see the storyline unfold : The way in which a conservative, simple teacher finds her standing in a class filled with brilliant students. They (the students) were not interested in knowing text book answers. They knew the text books at the back of their hands. They were in search of something more.

Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) had to show them something MORE.

She brought extraordinary materials to the classroom - it sparked interest in some students, it sparked controversy in others.

Through this movie, I observe the way in which the existence of certain students such as as Betty (Kirsten Dunst) could really demoralize a teacher's motivation. She was a tough nut to crack. Being fully emerged and indefinitely set on being a good wife, this bright and charming young Betty forsook her education for love - giving in to society's convention at that point in time. Little did she know, the change education could bring on one's life.

It took Katherine Ann Watson, the teacher a whole lot of patience and courage to face this hot, young blooded women who were so set in their ways. She had to show them (even as she trembled with fear) that she was in control. Something I as a future teacher really seek to know how to.

It is refreshing to see the breath of fresh air Katherine has brought into the school, by doing things her own way, even though she was harshly reprimanded through letters and such. She believed in education and promoted the importance of education relentlessly.

This movie has been a good source of educational information to me. It gives me a peek into what's it like being a teacher - the challenges, headaches and joys. Also, it shows me that pressure and dejection doesn't just come from students, but also your boss (the headmaster), students' parents as well as students themselves. It exposes me to the harsh truth that when you are standing alone in front of 50 students, you're very alone. However, you could be a laughing stalk, or you can laugh with them : it's up to how a teacher decides to carry herself.

Change is inevitable, and being a teacher, one isn't afraid of making changes.

This movie has indeed spoken volumes, I've truly benefited from watching it.

When Songs speak louder than Words

Katy Perry - Firework

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting throught the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deep
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe-awe-awe"


Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what your worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on slet your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe-awe-awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

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Ever wondered about your self worth?

Ever felt unwanted, dejected?

This song is the perfect song to groove to when you find that your self-confidence level is running low.

As my group consisting of Christine Chin, Shahrulnizzam, Jian Xiong and myself presented this video in front of the class,

I felt a chill running down my spine as I envisioned myself being projected as a 'Firework.'

One thing about a firework is this : It's magnificent splendor and grandeur truly strikes people. Even people from afar could spot a firework.

This is the message that we're trying to bring to our fellow friends :

We could be a Firework, only if we believe in ourselves.

We could shine as brightly as we want to, we can choose to stand out, or be trampled on.

Katy Perry was trying to bring across this message of "Believing in Yourself" through her song "Firework."

The message is subtle, yet clear.

One could shoot as far as you believe you can.

I don't know about the rest, but after watching this particular video clip, I felt my motivation levels soaring.

I felt ready to take on the world :P

Truly, Katy Perry's "Firework" is an amazing and awe-spiring song.

Lean on Me

I really enjoyed watching the movie - Lean on Me. This story is based on a true account of a principle, Joe Clark in New Jersey high school.

It astounds me to see all those things Joe Clark boldly did to reform the school. Of course, at the beginning itself, I was taken aback at the realisation of the existance of such a terrible school as portrayed in the movie. The way the students conduct themselves, the lack of respect for teachers, the vandalism, the crime committed within school compounds really threw me off guard. For a moment, I was a little scared, imagining if I were to face the same circumstances in my future teaching career.

Anyway, back to the movie. Joe Clark is this assertive, strong-willed, uptight man whose ways to reform the school caused a whole lot of controversial. It landed him behind bars at one point. However, it touched me that though his ways weren't acceptable by everyone, still; he managed to gain recognition and respect, and most importantly thoroughly reformed the entire school for the better.

One of the first things Joe Clark did to reform this school was expelling 300 minority students who he claimed were educationally hopeless and overage underachievers, parasites, hoodlums, and drug pushers. To make sure these now ex-students stayed out and could not return, Clark chained and locked the school doors from the inside. Clark demanded respect from not only his students but also with the facility. If respect was not given Clark simply removed you from the school.

There was this instance in the movie whereby a certain music teacher was being rude to him. I enjoyed that particular scene where he fires her for her lack of respect. Also, the way Joe Clark dealt with the boy who got expelled and wanted to come back to school was amazing. In fact, the way in which the principle deals with his students are : he threatens them, locks them inside the school, embarrasses them in front of others and intimidates them. (- . -)

Joe Clark's mission was to turn this crime, drug and graffiti infested school and completely reform them in one year's time.. This seems like a pretty challenging thing to do. But, alas; he managed to achieve it, and was in fact popular with many of his students.

However, though Joe Clark is often portrayed as strict and such, one could see that he has a softer side to him. He personally attends to the needs of certain ones of his students - such as that young girl whose mother didn't want her anymore.

Finally, my favourite scene in this show was when Joe Clark praised the piano teacher when she taught a different version of the school song to some of the students. This shows that Mr. Principle isn't such a hard-hearted man after all. He is seen to give reward and praise when it's due. Furthermore, though at most instances in this movie he seems to carry about an aura of terrorism, he also exudes confidence and possesses wit in his dealings.

'Lean on Me" has surpassed the expectations I have on teachers nowadays, and I hope that I too, would be able to learn valuable lessons and practical

discipline methods from this movie.

A-k-e-e-l-a-h and the Bee

The movie "Akeelah and the Bee" really had me spellbound! It's about an 11 year old girl who has an incredible knack for spelling monstrously HUGE words! It's amazing how this story is based on such a conventional, simple storyline and yet it is able to reach out to my heart.

"This movie is a celebration of education, of family, of community and, most of all, of life and of having the strength of will and the desire to live it to the absolute fullest."

The many conflicts in which Akeelah faced as a young girl truly baffled me. At many instances, when I imagined myself in her position, I would probably have given up. The amount of rejection she got from her own mother, the reluctance of her English Professor, the enormous responsibility and steel discipline which came with competing in the Bee is enough to throw me off course. However, it wasn't so for Akeelah. She truly deserves the winning seat!

This movie definitely hit an inspirational note. It made me realize that determination and hard work, accompanied by discipline would bring someone far~ far~ ahead in life!

Besides that, as I observed Akeelah's character - she is such a sweet and caring girl, even though she wasn't treated very nicely by one of the contestant.

Furthermore, what came by as an applicable side of this story to my teaching career would be the relationship between Akeelah and her English professor - Dr. Larabee. Together, Akeelah and Dr. Larabee form a bond, going beyond teacher-student, each finding strength within the other to help grab hold of their lives and put things on course heading towards success. That truly amazes me. It motivates me to be the kind of teacher Dr. Larabee was to her.

All in all, I would think that the glory of the movie lies not so much in the melodrama's rather predictable and familiar storyline, but rather in the grace, subtlety and charm it uses to tell the story.

This movie is definitely worth all the applause and commendation it could get. Like Akeelah herself, the movie is a WINNER - a Big shiny success stroy which spells :

A-W-E-S-0-M-E

Presentation : My Favourite Children's Story

My all-time favourite children's story has got to be "Chicken Little"

I remember vividly how my mother used to turn the pages of my colourful story book. The look on my face was priceless (that's what she tells me!)

How my tiny face glowed with full anticipation and childish bewilderment when my mother told the tale of how Chicken Little got deceived by the horrible Foxy Loxy.

I used to listen to the story over and over and never get tired of it. When I was a tad bit older and able to read for myself; I remember clasping the corners of the story book with my tiny sweaty palms as I turn from page to page, knowing I'd arrive at the section of the story where Chicken Little follows Foxy Loxy into his dent.

I used to cry "Oh no!" every time I read that instance in the story. Looking back, this simple yet fascinating story thrilled me to no end. It still soothes my heart today whenever I think of this childhood story of which I loved so dearly.

Truly children's story has a great impact on one's growth and development as a child. Not only did the story stick with me all these years, it also continues to provide me with moral lessons year after year. As the mind matures, so does the perspective of which I look at this story change. Thus, the moral values I garner differ.

I enjoyed the many presentations in class. Each student were allocated the task of presenting their favourite children's story. It is rather amusing to watch how our big, tall, "macho" guys still had that spark in their eyes when they told of their favourite children's story. I'm sure these stories weren't mere recollection of the content, but together with retelling the stories, fond memories of their childhood were etched together with it.

It may be that, whenever they think of one story; it brings to mind the tender loving care that their mother provided to them while telling the story once upon a time. Or maybe some, like me, had the privilege of snuggling close every night with mummy for a bedtime story? I'm certain of this : deep within, each and every one of us felt a stir of nostalgia as we related our favourite children's story.

I think it was a very good way to bring back the childlike excitement and joy for simple things such as an innocent children's story. In short, I truly enjoyed this activity.

"OH NO! THE SKY IS FALLING!!! I've got to tell the King"

A Gruffalo is...er, a gruff Buffalo. NO? ;)

:p Apparently NOT!

This intelligent tale tells of a small mouse which goes in the forest for a walk. On his way, he encounters several dangerous animals - a fox, an owl and a snake (all "mouse-liciously" hungry)... The cunning mouse decides to fool each of these animals with a made-belief monster. The mouse describes the outlandish features of the gruffalo's monstrous anatomy.

To each animals' horror, the animals flee for their lives.

Little does the mouse know, the Gruffalo really does exist! To the poor little mouse' horror, the Gruffalo looks nothing short of its made-belief monstrous icon.

Here's where the 'wow' factor comes in : This little mouse, though shaken with fear managed to in turn fool the Gruffalo into thinking that the mouse is the most feared animal in the forest.

My favourite element of this story would be that, the author cleverly chooses a small mouse and inject in such intelligence into the character. This would definitely relate well with the targeted little readers as well. It would encourage the little ones to be brave and motivate them towards quick-thinking in dire situations.

Besides its lovely rhyming lines,

"A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood

A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good"

the story is an exciting one with education elements. I think kids would get a kick out of this one! Furthermore, kids get to learn names of different animals in this story.

Kudos to Julia Donaldson! Her superb characterization, fantastic plot and a twist in the tale to boot, truly deserves all the merit it could get.

Don't miss it! ;) 'cuz I didnt.

Review on "Edwina the Emu"

One word : AMAZING!

It really was entertaining - the way Dr. Jaya read the story aloud to the entire class. However, I'd have to say the story itself is captivating! Dr. Jaya's expressive reading coupled with the wonderful way in which the story unfold had me on full attention. The minute Dr. Jaya began reading, my senses were transfixed on his facial expression and the way his voice modulates... Indeed, the repetitive lines, yet fascinating storyline never ceased to bore me. It isn't the regular predictable children's story. On top of that, like icing on sponge cake, Sheena Knowles hymning verse coupled with the hilarious illustrations by Rob Clement truly made this story memorable and entertaining. I believe this book will truly find a place in the hearts of readers everywhere. Also, this book would not only amuse its targeted readers - children. I believe, "Edwina the Emu" with it's simple storyline, yet profound underlying values would be able to penetrate even the hearts of adults - such as mothers and fathers!

The illustration of roles within a family unit is so evident in this children's story, it properly yet subtly depicts the cycle of life, responsibilities of parents, and the stark reality of the working world. Furthermore, though it's laden with content; this story is light and easy for reading. That's amazing! I wouldn't hesitate to introduce this story to people from all walks of society!

Hello 2011!

As 2010 takes a bow and draws away, 2011 hops in almost immediately, leaving little time to ponder upon the past year. Nevertheless, being the optimist that I try to be I'd like to see 2011 as a brand new start. A promising year that would hopefully bridge the gaps which I have left uncovered in the past year. There are many things which I have learnt from previous semesters which could be brought forward to this new and exciting year.

To begin with, Dr. Jayakaran's class once again throws in 'Different' by assigning his students to come up with a 'Blog' to review tutorials and probably lectures. I think it's an amazing way to reflect upon the happenings of the semester and to keep track on the course. So often do we hop on from one semester to another, having little or no recollection whatsoever of what we have learnt from a certain course.

This assigned blog review spells "d-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t", but it also rhymes with "r-e-l-e-v-a-n-t"

=)

Tic-Tac-Toe, my blog's name, simple as it sounds and easy on the tongue expresses ease. I hope writing in here would become a joy, and not simply a task - lest it becomes a burden -

The name "Tic-Tac-Toe" originates from the infamous game played at leisure at almost anytime of the day (and in my case : even during lectures ;P) it's easy! it's stimulating, MOST importantly, it keeps me awake! whee~

That's what I hope this blog would be - easy reading, but nonetheless, stimulating!

The name "Tic-tac-toe"came about from the sound a pencil makes when hitting a slate. It's like writing. In our generation, blogging equates pencil-ing down our thoughts. So, well. I guess it makes perfect sense then to call MY blog "Tic-Tac-Toe"

Yipee! :) and by starting this... yet another blogger is added to the Blogosphere!

Bring it on! :)