Wonder by RJ Palacio: Reading Comprehension and Story Elements
Wonder by RJ Palacio is about learning to stand out rather than fitting in, being kind even when it’s hard. As we read this heartwarming story, we’ll also learn about important story elements: point of view, mood & tone, conflict, & theme.
Amber Couch, M. Library Science
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(15)
What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
As we read this amazing novel, students will learn each week about the different story elements of point of view, mood and tone, conflict, and theme. We will also discuss the novel in depth, comparing the different experiences each of the characters have. This book is unique in that it is divided into parts, with different characters telling their side of the story as it progresses through the timeline. Week One: Will start with a pre-reading activity about whether it’s better to fit in or stand out, and the importance of “being kind”. For homework, students will read Part 1 & Part 2 of the novel. Week Two: Story Element- Point of View, compare and contrast August and Via. For homework, students will read Part 3, then compare and contrast Summer. Week Three: Story Element- Mood and Tone, go over compare and contrast homework and discuss the novel. For homework, students will read Part 4 then compare and contrast Jack. Week Four: Story Element- Conflict, go over compare and contrast homework and discuss the novel. For homework, students will read Part 5 then compare and contrast Justin. Week Five: Story Element- Theme, go over compare and contrast homework and discuss the novel. For homework, students will read Part 6 & Part 7 then compare and contrast Miranda. Week 6: We’ll take a look at Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder”, analyzing the lyrics, and see why it was an inspiration for the author to write the book. For homework: students will finish reading the novel with Part 8. Week 7: We’ll finish discussing the book and tie all the story elements together. Then we’ll play a fun game related to the book.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to cite evidence from the text to support analysis as well as make inferences.
Students will be able to determine a theme of a text and how it is conveyed through details.
Students will be able to compare and contrast to show the relationship among ideas, themes, or topics.
Students will be able to analyze an author’s word choices and draw conclusions about how they impact meaning and tone.
Students will be able to explain how an author’s development of point of view of the narrator impacts content, meaning, and style.
Students will be able to analyze and critique how an author’s choices contribute to the development of theme.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This book is about a child with a facial deformity. He has been homeschooled his whole life and is attending public school for the first time. He has to deal with bullying, and learn to be confident and deal with a range of emotions and reactions from others. It is an incredibly uplifting story with a strong message of empathy and compassion, teaching students how to show kindness.
Supply List
Wonder by RJ Palacio https://amzn.to/3wotBYz All other materials will be provided by the teacher.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined December, 2020
4.9
15reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
My name is Amber Couch. I have been working in education for almost two decades as a homeschool English teacher, a middle and high school librarian, and an elementary teacher. I am a graduate of Nevada State College with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Science in Library Science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
The best part of my job is helping students find their next favorite book. It brings me great joy to talk about books with kids, teachers, or parents. I can talk magic schools, dragons, space odysseys, love triangles, and tragic teenage angst all day. All my English lessons start with a novel, and are supported with articles, websites, virtual field trips, and cross-curricular units that delve into history, science, anthropology, and even astronomy.Reviews
Live Group Class
$85
for 7 classes1x per week, 7 weeks
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
2-8 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
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