Wonder Reading Calendar Handout Kindness and Perspective
"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio • Unit Calendar
Course
High School English
Student Name
Section
Unit Focus
Explore narrative structure, indirect characterization, and thematic development through the lens of identity and belonging.
Analyze shifting POVs and narrative reliability.
Deconstruct irony, symbolism, and complex motifs.
Major Deadlines
Character Evolution Map WEEK 2
Literary Device Portfolio WEEK 4
Unit Synthesis Essay WEEK 6
6-Week Roadmap
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
PART 1: AUG
Identity & STEAL method analysis.
VIA/SUMMER
Perspective shifts and internal conflict.
JACK/JUSTIN
Narrative irony and dialogue impact.
PART 6: AUG
Symbolism of the helmet and hearing aids.
MIRANDA/AUG
Theme synthesis & Resolution.
SYNTHESIS
Seminar and Final Assessment.
Reading Log & Comprehension Tracker
WEEK 1: AUGUST
Anomaly, Hindsight, Precept, Schlep.
READ
WEEK 2: VIA
Meticulous, Apparition, Quip, Exasperated.
READ
WEEK 3: JACK
Hypocrite, Monologue, Suffocate, Empathetic.
READ
WEEK 4: AUGUST
Taciturn, Verbosity, Unison, Ruminating.
READ
WEEK 5: MIRANDA
Epiphany, Euphoric, Revelation, Reimburse.
READ
WEEK 6: FINAL
Precept Synthesis and Review.
DONE
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." — Dr. Wayne Dyer
Wonder Intro Slides Wonder
The Face of the Story
Characterization, Perspective, and the "Normal" Construct
Foundations
Perspective vs. Point of View
Point of View
The technical tool the author uses to tell the story.
1st Person ("I", "Me")
3rd Person (Limited/Omniscient)
Perspective
The personal lens of a character through which the story is filtered.
Shaped by: Experience, Bias, Body
How a character interprets events.
Indirect Characterization
STEAL Method
Speech
Thoughts
Effect on Others
Actions
Looks
Opening Line Analysis
"I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things... they make me ordinary. I guess."
How does August establish his internal conflict here?
Wonder Character Profile Worksheet STEAL Character Profile
Week 1: Analyzing Indirect Characterization
NAME: __________________________
Analyze August Pullman's character through the STEAL method. Provide specific observations from the text.
S
Speech: Diction and Tone
T
Thoughts: Internal Monologue
E
Effect: How others respond
A
Actions: Key decisions
L
Looks: Physical symbolism
Synthesis: Contrast August's self-awareness with his external social reception.
Wonder Normalcy Reflection Sheet The Normalcy Narrative
Thematic Analysis: Week 1
NAME: __________________________
"I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid... but I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming."
— August Pullman, p. 1
1. Sociological Construct of "Normal"
Analyze "normalcy" as a social regulator. How do the students at Beecher Prep define "ordinary" to maintain social hierarchy?
2. Narrative Bias & Perspective
Select a secondary character. How does their relationship to August (protection vs. obligation) bias their definition of his "ordinariness"?
3. The Precept of Identity
Create an original precept exploring the tension between internal identity and external perception. Explain its relevance to August's journey.
Kindness & Perspective • Reflection 01
Wonder Conflict Worksheet Conflict Mapping
Week 2: Internal vs. External Struggle
NAME: _________________________________
Conflict is the engine of a story. Identify one Internal and one External conflict for both August and Via.
August Pullman
Internal Conflict
Prompt: How does August perceive his own "ordinariness"?
External Conflict
Prompt: Identify a specific social challenge at Beecher Prep.
Olivia "Via" Pullman
Internal Conflict
Prompt: How does her status as a "satellite" cause guilt?
External Conflict
Prompt: How are her high school friendships changing?
Critical Analysis: How does shifting the POV to Via change our understanding of August's impact on his family?
Wonder Perspective Comparison Chart Sibling Sightlines
Week 2: Comparative Perspective Analysis
NAME: __________________________
Compare the contrasting viewpoints of August and Via regarding shared events.
The Pullman "Galaxy" Metaphor
August's Sun
Via's Planet
Event Analysis: The First Day of School
August: Visible Vulnerability
Via: Hidden Neglect
Synthesis: How does the shift to Via's POV reconstruct the reader's empathy?
Wonder Vias Monologue Assignment Via's Unspoken Monologue
Week 2: Character Voice & Narrative Synthesis
NAME: __________________________
Narrative Task
Write an internal monologue for Via from Part 2. Focus on her transition to high school and her complex emotional status as a "satellite" in the Pullman universe. (Min. 200 words)
.
Stylistic Reflection: How does Via's vocabulary distinguish her from August?
Wonder Literary Devices Slides Literary Devices
IRONIC VOICES
In Weeks 3 & 4, we encounter voices that don't always say what they mean. How do we spot Verbal, Situational, and Dramatic Irony in Jack and Justin's narratives?
Jack Will
Justin
Identifying Irony
Verbal Irony
When a character says something but means the exact opposite (sarcasm).
"Yeah, Julian is a total genius." — Jack Will
Situational
When the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected.
Jack Will, August's "assigned" friend, becomes the one who betrays him on Halloween.
Dramatic
When the reader knows more about the reality than the characters on the page.
We know August is under the Bleeding Scream mask; Jack does not.
Beyond the Literal
Metaphor
A direct comparison of two unlike things.
"August is the Sun. Me and Mom and Dad are planets orbiting the Sun." — Via
Analysis: How does this describe the family dynamic?
Personification
Giving human traits to non-human things.
"The camera would just stare at me with its cold eye." — August
Analysis: Why does technology feel like an enemy to Auggie?
Symbolism
An object representing a larger, abstract idea.
The Astronaut Helmet: "I think I was wearing the helmet all day."
Analysis: What does the helmet protect? What does it hide?
The Science of Perspective
Our brains are hardwired to recognize faces. When we see something different, it triggers an involuntary response. Wonder is about the conscious choice to look past that response.
Discussion Point
How does Jack's "Verbal Irony" (sarcasm) serve as a shield against Julian's social pressure?
Reflective Inquiry
Can a story exist without "Dramatic Irony"? What would Wonder be like if we only knew what Jack knew?
Wonder Irony Tracker Handout Irony Scavenger Hunt
Week 3: Analyzing Narrative Irony
NAME: __________________________
1. Verbal Irony
Contrast between literal meaning and sarcastic intent.
2. Situational Irony
Contrast between expected outcomes and reality.
3. Dramatic Irony
Contrast between reader knowledge and character awareness.
Synthesis: How does dramatic irony heighten the betrayal of the Halloween scene?
Wonder Justins Voice Analysis Justin's Stylistic Choices
Week 3: Voice & Linguistics
NAME: __________________________
"i'm pretty much a mess when i'm stressed. i repeat things. i bite my nails. i'm not like other people. i guess that's why i like the fiddle. it's just strings and air." (Justin, Part 5)
Visual Impact
How does the lowercase aesthetic change your speed of reading?
Musical Rhythm
Connect his identity as a musician to this "flow" style.
Character Authenticity
Does this style make him feel more or less mature than Via?
Stylistic Application
Rewrite August's opening line in Justin's specific style.
Wonder Vocabulary and Symbolism Worksheet Vocabulary Architect
Week 4 Lexicon & Symbolism
STUDENT NAME
Word Bank
TACITURN
Disinclined to talk; reserved.
VERBOSITY
Using more words than needed.
EUPHORIC
State of intense happiness.
Word
Literal Definition
Contextual Sentence (Evidence from Novel)
Word
Literal Definition
Contextual Sentence (Evidence from Novel)
Symbolic Analysis: The Helmet
Analyze the helmet as a physical and psychological shield for August.
Internal Defense mechanism
External Perception (Dad/Mom)
Wonder Motif Mapping Worksheet Motif Mapping
Week 4: Symbols & Repetition
NAME: __________________________
Star Wars
Identity & Normalcy
Masks
Shielding & Vulnerability
Animals
Unconditional Loyalty
Critical Synthesis: How does one motif shift meaning by Part 8?
Wonder Hearing Aid Transition Task The "Lobot" Transition
Week 4: Physical Acceptance & Symbolic Growth
NAME: __________________________
"I looked like Lobot... he has these big electronic things over his ears. i didn't want to be noticed." (p. 211)
1. Surgery vs. Accessory
Why is this external addition more psychologically damaging than a surgical procedure?
2. Metaphorical Hearing
How does accepting these "ears" serve as a metaphor for his social awakening?
The Culmination of Acceptance
Why is the "Lobot" ears moment the final hurdle in his identity synthesis?
Wonder Theme Synthesis Slides Beyond Kindness
Moving from "Being Nice" to the Synthesis of Identity, Courage, and Resilience.
Thematic Foundations
Literary Elements
Theme
A universal message or insight about life that the author conveys through the narrative.
Themes are statements, not just single words.
Motif
A recurring image, idea, or symbol that helps build the theme throughout the story.
• Mr. Browne's Precepts
• Star Wars References
• Masks / Halloween
The Power of Precepts
What is a Precept?
"Words to live by. Rules about really important things."
Example:
"Your deeds are your monuments."
1
Inquiry: How do the monthly precepts act as a "roadmap" for August's growth throughout the school year?
2
Analysis: Identify one moment where a character's choice was directly influenced by a "precept-like" mindset.
3
Synthesis: How does the novel's conclusion (The Graduation) prove Mr. Browne's October precept: "Your deeds are your monuments"?
The Final Thought
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
Reflection
How has your perspective on August—or those like him—shifted since the opening page?
Next Steps
Prepare for the Socratic Seminar by selecting two textual "monuments" to share.
Wonder Precept Reflection Log Precept Reflection Log
Week 5: Thematic Synthesis
NAME: __________________________
Analyze character agency through Mr. Browne's monthly mandates.
September
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
October
"Your deeds are your monuments."
November
"Have no friends not equal to yourself." — Confucius
Synthesis: Analyze August’s "Secret" Precept: "Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation..." How does this resolve his arc?
Wonder Julian Character Study The Absent Perspective
Week 5: Julian Albans Character Study
NAME: __________________________
The Silenced Voice
Julian is denied a narrative POV. We only know him through others.
1. Character Archetypes
Static bully or complex rounded character? Cite one Part 1 dialogue evidence.
2. Narrative Intent
How would Julian's POV weaken the theme of "Choosing Kind"?
Julian's Hidden Precept
Capture his worldview at Beecher Prep in a single precept.
Wonder Final Assessment Guide Final Assessment
The Round Table
Socratic Seminar Preparation
Checklist
• Annotate three scenes of growth.
• Draft two "How/Why" questions.
• Link one motif to a major theme.
Seminar Norms
Stay evidence-based. Build upon others' ideas using "I agree with X because..." or "Looking at page Y, I notice...".
Essential Inquiries
"Does the novel's shifting perspective strengthen or weaken empathy? Why did Palacio omit Julian's voice?"
"Is August's 'ordinariness' an internal state or a social construct defined by Beecher Prep?"
Seminar Prep Area: Evidence & Thoughts
Personal Precept Project
Summative
Select one original precept. Present it with a visual symbol and a written manifesto linking it to a character's journey.
Project Requirements
• Precept: Concise/Original.
• Visual: Symbolic representation.
• Manifesto: 250-word synthesis.
Assessment Rubric
Category Advanced (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Symbolism Abstract/Deep. Clear/Literal. Vague. Synthesis Insightful links. Novel evidence. Minimal link. Diction Professional. Standard/Clear. Informal.
Initial Brainstorming & Sketch Area
Wonder Graduation Speech Draft Graduation Speech Draft
Summative Synthesis Project
NAME: __________________________
Perspective: Tushman or August
Incorporate: One Precept, One Metaphor, and Reflection on Compassion.
Draft Part 1
Draft Part 2
Precept
Metaphor
Compassion
Wonder Seminar Reflection Rubric Seminar Self-Reflection
Collective Discourse: Week 6 Meta-Cognition
NAME: __________________________
Reflect on your preparation and contribution to the Round Table.
1. My Contribution & Evidence
Identify your most effective point and the specific textual evidence used to anchor it.
2. Active Engagement & Challenge
Identify a peer's comment that forced you to reconsider your initial interpretation. Who said it and why?
3. The Synthesis of Perspectives
How did the group's collective dialogue change your perception of August’s evolution?
Seminar Performance Standards
1
Passive;
2
Limited Insight;
3
Active Voice;
4
Leadership;
Self-Score:
1
2
3
4
Kindness & Perspective Unit Synthesis
