Collaborating Teachers discussion

I know I'm late to reading this book but when my cousin, who is in Fifth grade, told me that she enjoyed it when her teacher read it aloud so much that she asked for it for Christmas, I knew I had to give it a read and I'm glad I did. The story spans an entire school year and is told from multiple perspectives. The main character, Auggie, was homeschooled until now due to devastating facial abnormalities that have required several surgeries. He's used to people staring but starting at a new school takes the staring to a new level. You can't help but root for Auggie and have empathy for his situation. This book really hammers home the power of kindness, acceptance and keeping positive in a way that will impact young readers. I am changing my end of year plans to finish the school year with this book as our last read aloud.

I teach 5th grade and start the school year with Wonder every year. The students always love it. I then reference it for the remainder of the school year anytime we need to have a discussion about kindness. This year I had some issues with bullying. We discussed Summer, Jack, Julian, and August and their character traits at the beginning of the book. The kids then wrote about which character or combination of characters they were and which ones they would like to be. We especially had good conversations about Jack and going along with our friends, whom we compared to Summer doing what was right in spite of friends. We then ended each morning meeting with " Which Wonder character will you be today?" I am really hoping the lesson sticks as they go to middle school next year. It's such an amazing book.

I honestly can't believe I only recently discovered this book. I'm just glad I did in time to share it with my class before they move on next year. I definitely agree it's an absolute perfect start of the year book as it can be referenced all year long when middle graders act as middle graders tend to act! We started it today, I scrapped my other plans and I'm tying it into our health as well. Students absolutely loved the first 20 pgs (especially the gassy nurse) and we had some good discussion on whether Auggie should go to school or not.

You should also read Out of My Mind by Sharon M Draper. It was a GRA selection a few years back. Similar theme. Kids love the book and provides great conversations and writing material. Check out some of the book trailers.