Dudley is shown to have an exceptionality, and he turns to art when he is feeling frustrated. In this story, Dudley ends up helping a teacher learn to draw. It is a good story about reciprocation, about how just like the teacher is patient with Dudley and helps him out when he needs it, Dudley was able to do the same. If I were to get anything out of this story, it would be that everyone can help someone. I think often times people who are not aware/knowledgeable about those with exceptionalities would often think otherwise, and this story smashes that concept. ( )

“Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw” is a story about a boy who struggles in school however takes it upon himself to get in front of the class to try and show his teacher how to draw the side profile of a face. This story does an amazing job teaching children that it is acceptable to struggle in school and to keep trying no matter what. It also sends the message to teachers to point out their student’s strengths, and put forth extra effort to help them improve their weaknesses. “Ms. McCaw would explain it over and over, until it made sense.” Teachers must always go the extra mile for their students, no matter how long it may take for them to understand a concept. ( )

I like how the teacher helps the student, then there is a twist and the student needs to help the teacher. They are both patient with each other and learn from each other.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Appropriateness: primary, intermediate

Media: pen & brush with ink and watercolor

Setting : The school classroom was the setting for this story. This was a perfect place for the setting, because this is where the students were able to learn and the teacher was able to learn from her students as well. There are many places to learn, but for this story the chalkboard became an art pallet and a way for students to show Ms. McCaw how to draw faces.

Review: This is a good example of realistic fiction because kids sometime struggle in school and need the teachers help. Other students often tease that student. Ms. McCaw does not allow the teasing and tries to help Dudley. What is very interesting is that Dudley ends up teaching the teacher something she does not know how to do. So roles get reversed, which is often true in the classroom. The students teach you as much as you teach them if you pay attention which this teacher did!