the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting

refers to the point-of-view or position from which the reader reads, influencing the way events or ideas are portrayed and understood

how a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests

Developing responses to 'Wonder' through rich discussions

English

Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions

In 'Wonder: book club’, pupils considered different perspectives and also developed their own personal response to the text. In 'Cloud Busting: book club', pupils will explore different perspectives around themes of friendship and bullying, written in the form of a verse novel.

In 'Front Desk: book club’, pupils developed a personal response to a text exploring migration and starting life in a new country. In ’Wonder: book club’, pupils will consider different perspectives and also develop their own personal response to the text.

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the novel, 'Wonder'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of discrimination and kindness. Finally, pupils discuss the characters in the text, as well as making personal connections and recommendations.

'Wonder': book club

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

the point-of-view or position from which the reader reads

a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s interests

True or False? August's parents are worried about him starting middle school.

Match the following characters to their relationship with August.

Which of the following are character traits shown by Via?

Via’s friend Miranda has always been friendly towards August.

Via doesn’t understand why her parents cannot spend time with her.

Initially, Via does not want August to come to her play.

a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and interests.

a short promotional description of a text, located on the back cover.

the person or character who is telling the story.

Who is the illustrator of the front cover and interior illustrations?

Whose perspectives does the reader read from? Select two.

Match the following character traits to the character that shows them.

What is the name of August's English teacher?

True or False? August ends the text unhappy.

Developing responses to 'Wonder' through rich discussions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance