Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions | English

Starter quiz

Who is the author of the following text?
- 'R.J. Palacio' ✓
Match the following terms to their definitions.
- character
  
  ⇔
  
  a person or an animal in a story ✓
- setting
  
  ⇔
  
  where the story takes place ✓
- plot
  
  ⇔
  
  what happens in the story ✓
Which of the following are forms of text?
- graphic novel ✓
- fantasy
- picturebook ✓
- novel ✓
- science fiction
True or False? A main protagonist has to be likeable.
- True
- False ✓
Based on their front covers, which of the following are fiction texts?
- Great Expectations ✓
- Who are Refugees and Migrants?
- Drawn Across Borders: True Stories of Human Migration
- The Legend of Sally Bones ✓
Which is the most suitable definition for a theme within a text?
- how a character's feelings and emotions change throughout a story
- the surrounding details that help understand what you're reading
- a big idea, topic or message that repeats within a story ✓
- a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others

Exit quiz

Match the keywords to their definitions.
- empathy
  
  ⇔
  
  the ability to understand other people’s feelings and points of view ✓
- discrimination
  
  ⇔
  
  treating a person or group of people differently and unfairly ✓
- theme
  
  ⇔
  
  a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story ✓
What is a suitable definition of a precept?
- an effect on the character or behaviour of someone else
- a moral lesson or guiding principle ✓
- a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s interests
- making a guess using what we already know
Which of the following adjectives describes the character of August?
- understanding ✓
- mean
- empathetic ✓
- unkind
- kind ✓
Order the following events from the text.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  Auggie begins to enjoy school and builds friendships.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  August faces bullying from some classmates, including Julian.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  Auggie overhears Jack Will speaking poorly of him to Julian.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  Jack understands where he went wrong and apologises to August.
- 5
  
  ⇔
  
  August goes on the nature retreat.
Which devices in the text support August in being able to hear better?
- headphones
- hearing aids ✓
- ear defenders
Match the themes to how they can be conveyed in the text.
- discrimination
  
  ⇔
  
  characters learn the importance of standing up against injustice ✓
- belonging
  
  ⇔
  
  August has formed strong bonds with many of his classmates ✓
- loss
  
  ⇔
  
  Via talks about her experiences of her grandmother passing away ✓

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

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.

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.

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