Would you rather be right, or would you rather be kind? A novel unit based on R.J. Palacio's Wonder focuses on the need to be kind to others and to accept their differences. As learners read the book, they discuss the themes of family relationships, overcoming challenges, and friendship before playing Kindness Bingo and writing short reflections.

Concepts

novels, reading comprehension, tolerance, bullying, kindness

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Additional Tags

classroom support

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the novel in a literature circle activity in which class members discuss the previous night's reading the context of the listed literary themes
• Show the movie in class, and encourage learners to determine how it is different from the book—and whether or not those changes are for the better
• Use the pictures as a model for your own classroom decorations and displays 
• Have pupils keep a kindness journal throughout the year based on the monthly prompts provided in the student handouts

Classroom Considerations

• Aligned to fifth grade Common Core standards, but reading level is most appropriate for middle school
• Some worksheets and reference pages are in color and may be difficult to print and copy

Pros

• Includes links to other resources focused on kindness and acceptance
• Makes connections to language arts, social studies, science, and fine arts
• Comes with all necessary student materials

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.5.1 RL.5.3 W.5.1.a W.5.2.a SL.5.1.a L.5.1.a L.5.3.a L.5.5.a