One of the features of my Christian Education class at CALTC is to show and discuss the film, The Miracle Worker, the story of how the child, Helen Keller, came to be able to communicate, though she had been deaf and blind since a young child. I show this film because it shows the dedication, creativity, stubbornness of her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and how these characteristics allowed her to become a "miracle worker."
Also interesting about showing this film, is that it is available only in English. So I've prepared a scene by scene synopsis of the film which has been translated into Russian. Then as we watch the film, we pause periodically for the class interpreter to explain what is going on.
Despite the language barrier, the message is clear. It's always amazing to me to see the tears in the eyes of the students at the conclusion of the movie when Annie and Helen finally have the long-awaited breakthrough of understanding. This is a powerful illustration of the frustrations and joys of teaching.
Two versions of this film exist. One from the 60's, I believe, starring Haley Mills, and the newer one from Disney. Either is worth watching.
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3 comments:
Actually, the 1962 version starred Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen Keller. They had the same roles in the original Broadcast cast when the play opened in 1959.
Make that the original Broadway cast.
Thanks, Bill!
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