Lesson Plan: Exploring Characters in “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
Objective: Students will be able to analyze and differentiate between the main characters in the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio, by examining their traits, motivations, and relationships.
Grade Level: 6th-8th grade
Materials: - Copies of the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or colored pencils - Character analysis graphic organizer (one per student) - Sticky notes or index cards
Procedure:
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Introduction (10 minutes): a. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever read or heard about the book “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Allow students to share their thoughts and experiences. b. Explain that today, they will be exploring the different characters in the book and analyzing their traits, motivations, and relationships. c. Review the definition of character traits and motivations, ensuring that students understand the concepts.
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Pre-Reading Activity (10 minutes): a. Divide the class into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. b. Assign each group a specific character from the novel: Group A - August Pullman (Auggie), Group B - Via Pullman, Group C - Jack Will. c. Provide each group with a sticky note or index card and ask them to write down what they already know or think about their assigned character. Encourage them to consider the character’s appearance, personality, and any significant events or actions they remember.
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Reading Activity (20 minutes): a. Instruct students to read the assigned chapters or sections of the novel that focus on their assigned character. b. As they read, students should pay close attention to the character’s actions, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. c. Encourage students to annotate the text or take notes on their character analysis graphic organizer, noting specific quotes or examples that reveal the character’s traits and motivations.
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Group Discussion (15 minutes): a. Bring the class back together and have each group share their findings about their assigned character. b. As each group presents, write down key traits, motivations, and relationships on the chart paper or whiteboard. c. Encourage other students to ask questions or provide additional insights about the characters being discussed.
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Individual Analysis (15 minutes): a. Distribute the character analysis graphic organizer to each student. b. Instruct students to choose one character from the novel (either Auggie, Via, or Jack Will) and complete the graphic organizer, filling in the character’s traits, motivations, and relationships. c. Encourage students to use evidence from the text to support their analysis.
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Culminating Activity (10 minutes): a. Have students share their completed character analysis graphic organizers with a partner or in small groups. b. Ask students to discuss any similarities or differences they noticed in their analysis of the characters. c. Wrap up the lesson by having a brief whole-class discussion, highlighting the importance of understanding and analyzing characters in a story.
Extension Activity: - Students can create a character profile or a “wanted” poster for their chosen character, including a visual representation and key traits. - Students can write a short narrative from the perspective of their chosen character, exploring their thoughts and motivations in a specific scene or event from the novel. - Students can compare and contrast the traits and motivations of two characters from the novel, using a Venn diagram or a T-chart.
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