Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can discuss the main ideas of ‘Wonder’.
Key learning points
- The protagonist of the story is August ‘Auggie’ Pullman.
- August was born with a facial deformity which marks him out to be ‘different’ and subjected to discrimination.
- August gradually wins over his peers and becomes an integral part of the school community.
- The book is structured to show each character's different perspective; these are referred to as 'parts'.
- A take-away idea within a text may link to themes that are explored and developed in it.
Keywords
Empathy - the ability to understand other people’s feelings and points of view
Discrimination - treating a person or group of people differently and unfairly because of a certain characteristic
Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
Precept - a moral lesson or guiding principle
Common misconception
Pupils may think that disability and deformity are interchangeable.
August's facial deformity does not directly impair his physical abilities or cognitive functions. The email conversation between Julian's mother and Mr. Tushman explores this on pages 162 and 163.
Teacher tip
Pupils must have read the text in advance of this lesson. It will be useful if pupils have an understanding of discrimination and prejudice before the session. This can be addressed within a PSHE lesson or group discussion.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2022 Corgi Children’s Books edition of ‘Wonder’, written by R.J. Palacio with illustrations by Tad Carpenter, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who is the author of the book 'Wonder'?
Q2.Match the following terms to their definitions.
a person or an animal in a story
where the story takes place
what happens in the story
Q3.Which of the following are forms of text?
Q4.True or False? A main protagonist has to be likeable.
Q5.Based on their titles, which of the following are fiction texts?
Q6.Which is the most suitable definition for a theme within a text?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the ability to understand other people’s feelings and points of view
treating a person or group of people differently and unfairly
a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story
Q2.What is a suitable definition of a precept?
Q3.Which of the following adjectives describes the character of August?
Q4.Order the following events from the text.
Q5.Which devices in the text support August in being able to hear better?
Q6.Match the themes to how they can be conveyed in the text.
characters learn the importance of standing up against injustice
August has formed strong bonds with many of his classmates
Via talks about her experiences of her grandmother passing away
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'Wonder': book club unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.