Upper Elementary Book Review discussion

So, I'd like to try something a little different this month. Let's talk about discussion topics or ways we can initiate some class dialogue around the books. Usually, I have a question at the end of each chapter or daily reading to which my kids have to write a paragraph response. This can be chapter-based questions, themed questions, or general thought-provoking questions.

I also think this is a great book to assist kids with understanding the importance of point of view. This is a particularly great point after Auggie overhears Jack talking about him, and then the book switches to Jack telling the story.

I think if I were teaching this book in a class, I might bookend the reading with a question asking kids to think about how important a person's appearance is. I would ask the question and discuss responses before introducing the book, and then ask kids to write their responses to the same question after they have read the book.

Additionally, a natural extension of the book is to ask kids to identify their own precepts. These can be posted in the classroom. I believe the author has put out a companion book filled with additional precepts to consider.

To build on the point of view idea, you could ask students to give some thought to the meaning of the astronaut helmet. Miranda gave Auggie the helmet, and was pleased to have given him something that made him so happy. Auggie has his own reasons for why the helmet was so important, and his father has another outlook on it altogether.

Just joined the group with my child. What book are you reading?

My book is on hold at this time. Hoping to start in a week or so.

What chapter are you on?

The chapters are named, not numbered, so it is a little difficult to tell you in the traditional manner. However, we're on page 32 on the chapter titled "Home." Unfortunately, we are slightly behind in read aloud because we had a fire alarm go off three days in a row - lots of fun!

Julia wrote: "To build on the point of view idea, you could ask students to give some thought to the meaning of the astronaut helmet. Miranda gave Auggie the helmet, and was pleased to have given him something ..."

I think that's a great idea Julia! I'm totally stealing it :-)!

When Auggie first goes to the school for the visit, there are a lot of references to where he and the other characters are looking. We had a great class discussion about why people might not look directly at a person (or look down) and why the characters in the book are doing it. The kids had a lot of great interpretations that I would not have come up with myself.

That sounds like a fantastic discussion! Sometimes I think I really missed my calling when I think about being an English teacher. (I was a history teacher for many years) And then I remember the grading component, and that takes the edge off for sure. You sound like you've got your students really engaged!

Yes - grading writing assignments is definitely NOT the ideal way to spend your Saturday, but I do love seeing what the kids think. One of the reasons I love this book is because of the numerous discussion points in it that can still relate back to ELA standards and just general comprehension skills while keeping the kids engaged. It's a fantastic book.

Another way to look at point of view is to discuss how one person's point of view can shift over time. Jack is a good character to consider as you examine this question. There are a few places in the book where Jack changes his mind about something important. And he also demonstrates how one person may express different points of view depending on who they are in conversation with.

Additionally, there are a few more minor characters who change their attitudes towards August as the school year progresses. The ability of people to change their attitudes is one of the most beautiful themes of the book.

I agree. That also opens a door to a great discussion about character traits and how some characters have traits that evolve, which is usually important to the plot or theme of the book. There's a lot you can do with this book, and my kids are really loving it.

We have have started the book. A great read. So far holds our attention. A lot of pages was the first thing my 4 the grader said. Any questions the group can provide? We r at the chapter Home.

I don't have the book in front of me, but if Home is about in the book where I remember it, it's a great time to ask about inferencing and how Auggie knows that Julian is not being a nice kid. That's such an important skill in 4th grade that I would ask a lot of questions around that. When I have the book again, I'll add a few more.

My fourth grader is really connecting to Auggie and his school mates. Working on inference. We researched inference once we saw it on your post.
We are having great discussions. We love how Auggie's mom rate there day. We do it now too! Also the way his feelings are discribed. The are very descriptive and detailed. My fourth grader is becoming more expressive.....smile.