My students and I will be reading and working from the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, this upcoming 2015/2016 school year. We, my students and I, will build a classroom community and incorporate character education to teach students that we are not what we look like, but who we are on the inside that matters. I want my students to help each other and not allow anyone to bully or harass them. I want them to help others.
If you haven't read Wonder, you are missing out on a good book. I read the book to my students for the last 2 weeks of school. They were hooked and enthralled with it. They couldn't believe that other kids treated Auggie, the main character in Wonder, that way. I had to tell them that people do this a lot. I always ask them how would that make them feel if that were said or done to you?
I will be using some great products created by Danielle Knight to use with the book. They include an Interactive Layered Flip Book with all vocabulary, comprehension questions, and activities for Wonder. I will also be using her Characterization Mini Flip and her Plot Diagram Puzzle. Check out her blog, Study All Knight. You won't be disappointed!
My students also enjoyed Mr. Brown's Precepts in the book. These precepts are sayings to live by. Our favorite precept was, "When given the choice of being right or being kind, always choose kind." - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.
Yes, it is hard to be kind at times, but it can be done.
I also found the Children's Craniofacial Assocaition website. They have a tab called 'Wonder." Under this tab, you will find an assortment of resources for the book Wonder. I love where your class can take the Choose Kind Challenge & Pledge.
I can't wait to begin this wonderful journey of teaching and modeling to always choose kind. We need a more positive atmosphere for our kiddos. Our classroom may be the only place where some students experience kindness.
Warmly,
Michele
