Precious movie..

The movie “Precious,” released in theaters in late 2009 and based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire, is not only a captivating story, but is a commentary on childhood trauma, its long term effects, and the power of resilience. Claireece Precious Jones (played by Gabourey Sidibe) is a 16 year-old illiterate African American teen who lives in Harlem with her dysfunctional mother Mary (played by Mo’Nique). The family is on welfare, and lives in a drug-infested neighborhood. Precious is subjected to verbal and physical abuse by her mother, and sexual abuse by both parents. She has two children that are the result of incest by her father.Throughout the film we see the variety of consequences that Precious’ abuse is having on her emotional well-being.

As a teacher, we need to be connected to the students. For example, in Precious' case, she suffered emotional trauma that she tends to daydream and cannot pay attention in class. Luckily she found a teacher who understands and helps her.