Month: June 2024

Rate & Review Books with NCBC

 

Welcome back to Rate & Review Books with NCBC! 

June’s book review comes from one of our virtual book clubs, a Wednesday evening group that meets on Zoom.

Book or series of books: The Story of Dr. Dolittle

Author: Original story by Hugh Lofting, adapted version by Melissa Dalton Martinez

First, please tell our readers a little about your book club.

“It’s a fun group,” says co-facilitator Colleen. In January 2024, a hybrid Next Chapter Book Club that included Colleen, Amy, and Allie joined together with Kimberly, Derek, Abdullah, Tony, Anthony, Ahmad, Jackie, and Jillian to form the large virtual NCBC that now meets on Zoom each Wednesday evening.

Allie shares, “I like doing it over Zoom. I like not having to go back out after work.” Like members of other virtual NCBCs, Allie appreciates the convenience of being able to gather with friends from the comfort of home.

Several members of this club have been part of NCBC for over 12 years. Prior to Covid, their book clubs met in cafés and bookstores in Franklin County. In 2020, most groups transitioned to meeting virtually on platforms such as Zoom. When book clubs were able to meet in-person again, a few decided they would rather continue to meet on Zoom.

“NCBC members who have continued to meet virtually are able to avoid scheduling and transportation barriers. This means we generally have great attendance at our Wednesday evening meetings,” says co-facilitator Jillian.

After combining the two smaller clubs in early 2024, the group grew to eight members and three co-facilitators, and all have appreciated the chance to get to know more people. One club member even joins from Warsaw, Indiana. Amy sums it up by saying, “We meet nice, new people.”

Seven members of a virtual Next Chapter Book Club smile for a photo

Top row: Amy, Jillian, Allie; second row: Kimberly, Jackie, Colleen; third row: Abdullah; Not pictured: Derek, Anthony, Tony, Ahmad

What is The Story of Dr. Dolittle about?

“Dr. Dolittle is about a doctor that can talk to animals,” explains Kimberly. Dr. Dolittle does indeed have a special gift for being able to communicate with animals, and this takes him on some unusual adventures.

“He went to Africa and different places. I missed some meetings for cooking class and vacation. It was cool to hear about all the different places he went,” Allie says.

In this book, the simple and kind-hearted Dr. Dolittle travels to Africa to save monkeys from a terrible sickness. The journey takes many twists and turns, and Dr. Dolittle is helped by a close circle of friends, including Polynesia the parrot, Gub-Gub the pig, Dab-Dab the duck, Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, and others.

Colleen shares, “He goes around not only helping animals, but helping people too. For example, he helped the king’s son marry the love of his life.”

How easy was this book to understand?

“Overall, I think it was pretty easy,” Abdullah says.

“I thought it was sort of a weird book. Remember the pushmi-pullyu’s? I had never heard of that. Dr. Dolittle is even a weird name,” Amy says, and the group laughs.

What did you like about the book?

Co-facilitator Jackie says, “I liked the names of the animals. I like most stories with animals. Also, the traveling part was fun and exciting.”

“I liked Chee-Chee the monkey. I thought he was fun,” shares Abdullah.

“I liked the part with the dog, Jip. He found the lost uncle with only his nose,” Kimberly says. In this part of the story, a young boy’s uncle is lost on an island in the middle of the sea. Only Jip’s keen sense of smell could find him.

Were there any parts you didn’t like? If so, what were they?

Amy says, “I think all the parts were good, but someone else might have a different opinion.”

Abduallah says, “[The story] was a little different and extraordinary.” With a doctor who can talk to animals, you can say that again, Abdullah!

If another Next Chapter Book Club was thinking about reading this book, what would you tell them?

Club members nod their heads, and Allie gives a thumbs up, showing that they would all recommend The Story of Dr. Dolittle to other NCBCs.

What book (or series of books) has been your favorite so far?

Please rate this book on a scale from 1 to 5 stars.

This club gave The Story of Dr. Dolittle 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Autistic Youth Program Launches!

Our first ever Autism Self-Advocacy Youth Program for pre-teens and younger teens began this past winter!

The students and facilitators learned so much from each other. We explored our senses, strengths, challenges, interests and more! The journey was full of twist and turns: some smooth and some bumpy.

We look forward to taking what worked really well and what could be improved and applying to our next session in the fall.

Come and join us as we look back on our journey!

Exploring the Senses

Along our voyage, we explored our senses. Together, we examined textures, movement, and body space awareness in addition to hearing, smelling, tasting, sight/vision, and touch. Students scanned the various parts of their senses using a worksheet and various items such as stuffed animals, fidget tools, and weighted objects.

We wanted to create a safe and no pressure environment. Some students choose to share their findings and what they learned about themselves with the group. Others remained quiet but listened intently to their peers. Our exploration of our senses helped to create bonds with each other.

What’s Your Superpower?

Next stop: we dove into some of our strengths and what we might find challenging. Many people find learning about their strengths and challenges hard let along young students on the verge of their teenage years.

We used pop culture references, superpowers and kryptonite (how many of you are thinking of Superman or the 3 Doors Down song in the late 90s?) to capture their attention and make it fun and exciting.

Students were able to either write down or draw their superpowers and kryptonite. Drawing allowed our student superheroes to not only better express themselves but to also helped them process information.

But I Don’t Want to Leave!

Discussing special interests (things that inspires them, what keeps them engaged for a very long amount of time, and/or what they could talk all day about) was the students favorite activity hands down. Students who usually did not speak during discussions opened up with such passion and enthusiasm. Discussions were lively and meaningful to both students and facilitators. Students stated they wished more time could be dedicated to this in future sessions.

All Aboard; Next Stop Home!

Our journey ended with an activity called, “the nest.” Just like birds working to make a nest for themselves and their babies, it is important to create a nest or sensory safe environment.

We discussed how each person’s nest is different and unique because of our different experiences and preferences. This nest should be a place for rest, safety, and comfort.

We asked the students, “what would you put in your nest?”

Students were excited for this activity. Some students used words and others drew pictures to show what they would put in their nest. The thought of creating a “mobile nest” or a nest on the go so that they can carry it with them was shared.

Next time we might have the students create a physical nest in real time!

Looking In the Rearview and Looking Ahead

Our team is currently reviewing the invaluable feedback from students, their families, and facilitators. We will be looking into activities to further increase engagement and bonding. We also want to utilize additional tools to reach students such as videos, pictures, physical activities, games, and role plays.

Many students in the program have individual learning plans (IEP’s). Next time we will find ways to better apply the student’s IEP to the lessons presented.

Our next trip will be planned in the fall of 2024. Click the following link for more information: Aspirations Ohio – Nisonger Center (osu.edu)

Stay tuned for our next journey!

Edited from the original work of Tema Krempley

Men’s Aspirations May 2024

For May, Men’s Aspirations adventured to Quarry Trails Metro Park in Columbus, Ohio. We hiked nearly 4 miles, cooled off under a waterfall, and relaxed on a group hammock.

Coming up in June–We’re heading to The Garden of Roses, followed by ice cream.

Congratulations Meera Nadathur!

Ace! student Meera Nadathur graduated in December of 2023 with her Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife degree from The Ohio State University.

TOPS staff interviewed Meera asking her a series of questions.

The Q & A is below:

Q: Who had the greatest impact on your academic success and why?

A: The math tutors did a lot to help me get through calculus, the hardest class I’ve taken at OSU.

Q: What was your favorite part about college?

A: I enjoyed learning a lot about several different subjects , including wildlife which interests me the most. I also enjoyed getting to know many different great people.

Q: What are your plans post graduation?

A: I am working on obtaining a career that involves helping endangered species.

Q: How would you rate your overall college experience? (1 being the worst and 5 being the best).

A: 3.5/5

Great work Meera!