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! :)