Wonder
Wonder is a remarkable book, about a boy named August. August has a dis-formed face. Throughout the book, there are ups and downs. Especially, because August has started school for the first time.
Reading and Writing Workshop: Wonder
Central Themes
Workshop Structure
Format:
Session 1: First Impressions & Identity
Reading
Gallery Walk: “First Impressions”
Students rotate through posted quotes from the opening chapters and respond:
Quick Write:
Describe a time when you were judged—or worried you might be—based on appearance or a first impression.
Teacher Notes
Session 2: Point of View & Voice
Reading
POV Swap
Groups rewrite a short scene from another character’s perspective (e.g., Jack, Via).
Writing Task
Short Response:
How does point of view affect our understanding of events in Wonder?
Skill Focus
Session 3: Kindness, Bullying, and Choice
Reading
Socratic Circle: “Choose Kind?”
Inner circle discusses:
Claim Paragraph:
Choose one character and argue whether they act kindly or unkindly—use textual evidence.
Teacher Notes
Session 4: Family, Loyalty & Support Systems
Reading
Role-Play Interviews
Students role-play as Auggie, Via, or parents while peers ask empathetic questions.
Writing Task
Reflective Journal:
Who supports you when life is hard? How does support shape resilience?
Session 5: Growth & Transformation
Reading
Character Growth Map
Groups chart:
Analytical Paragraph:
How does one character change over the course of the novel?
Session 6: Theme & Author’s Message
Reading
Precept Creation Station
Groups write original precepts inspired by the novel and display them.
Writing Task
Theme Paragraph:
What is one central theme of Wonder, and how does the author develop it?
Session 7: Culminating Project – “Choose Kind Exhibition”
Group Choice Projects
Final Reflection Essay:
How did Wonder change the way you think about empathy, identity, or kindness?
Assessment Options
Differentiation & Supports
Extension Ideas
Central Themes
- Empathy and compassion
- Identity and self-acceptance
- Perspective and voice
- Kindness vs. cruelty
- Community and belonging
- What does it mean to “choose kind”?
- How does point of view shape truth?
- How do words and actions impact others?
- How do people define themselves beyond appearances?
Workshop Structure
Format:
- Small groups (3–5 students)
- Rotating roles per session
- Reading + discussion + writing each day
- Discussion Leader – Guides conversation using prompts
- Perspective Tracker – Tracks narrator, bias, and tone
- Text Evidence Collector – Finds key quotes
- Connector – Makes text-to-self, text-to-world connections
- Recorder/Reporter – Documents group thinking and shares out
Session 1: First Impressions & Identity
Reading
- Part One: August (Opening chapters)
- Who is Auggie?
- How does Auggie see himself vs. how others see him?
Gallery Walk: “First Impressions”
Students rotate through posted quotes from the opening chapters and respond:
- What impression do you get of Auggie?
- What assumptions do people make?
- What surprises you?
Quick Write:
Describe a time when you were judged—or worried you might be—based on appearance or a first impression.
Teacher Notes
- Emphasize safe sharing
- Normalize vulnerability
- Model respectful listening
Session 2: Point of View & Voice
Reading
- August’s narration + introduction of other narrators
- Why does the novel use multiple narrators?
- How does voice change tone and understanding?
POV Swap
Groups rewrite a short scene from another character’s perspective (e.g., Jack, Via).
Writing Task
Short Response:
How does point of view affect our understanding of events in Wonder?
Skill Focus
- Narrative voice
- Bias and reliability
Session 3: Kindness, Bullying, and Choice
Reading
- Scenes involving Julian, Jack, and social conflict
- What is bullying?
- What are the costs of staying silent?
Socratic Circle: “Choose Kind?”
Inner circle discusses:
- Is kindness a choice?
- Are there moments when characters fail to choose kind?
Outer circle tracks examples and language.
Claim Paragraph:
Choose one character and argue whether they act kindly or unkindly—use textual evidence.
Teacher Notes
- Establish norms
- Intervene gently if discussion becomes personal
Session 4: Family, Loyalty & Support Systems
Reading
- Via’s chapters + family interactions
- How does Auggie’s condition affect his family?
- Whose struggles are invisible?
Role-Play Interviews
Students role-play as Auggie, Via, or parents while peers ask empathetic questions.
Writing Task
Reflective Journal:
Who supports you when life is hard? How does support shape resilience?
Session 5: Growth & Transformation
Reading
- Later chapters showing character change
- Which characters grow the most?
- What causes change—events or choices?
Character Growth Map
Groups chart:
- Beginning traits
- Challenges
- Turning points
- End traits
Analytical Paragraph:
How does one character change over the course of the novel?
Session 6: Theme & Author’s Message
Reading
- Precepts + ending
- What message does the author want readers to take away?
- Why are precepts important?
Precept Creation Station
Groups write original precepts inspired by the novel and display them.
Writing Task
Theme Paragraph:
What is one central theme of Wonder, and how does the author develop it?
Session 7: Culminating Project – “Choose Kind Exhibition”
Group Choice Projects
- Dramatic reenactment of a key scene
- Illustrated theme board
- Character diary portfolio
- PSA video or poster on kindness
- Alternate ending written collaboratively
Final Reflection Essay:
How did Wonder change the way you think about empathy, identity, or kindness?
Assessment Options
- Participation & role completion
- Writing portfolio (journal + paragraphs + final essay)
- Group presentation rubric
- Self-reflection & peer evaluation
Differentiation & Supports
- Sentence frames for ELLs
- Audiobook support
- Chunked reading
- Visual organizers
- Choice-based writing options
Extension Ideas
- Connect to anti-bullying initiatives
- Compare with Out of My Mind or El Deafo
- Service project: “Choose Kind” campaign at school