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Year 5 - English

Developing an understanding of 'Wonder' through rich discussions

'Wonder': book club

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the novel, 'Wonder'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of discrimination and kindness. Finally, pupils discuss the characters in the text, as well as making personal connections and recommendations.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to discuss the main ideas of 'Wonder'.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that disability and deformity are interchangeable.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'empathy'

the ability to understand other people's feelings and points of view.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that disability and deformity are interchangeable. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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