#1 The students could choose to design a Wonder poster
#2 The students could choose to have a conversation with their parents about the book and then write about it. The second piece was that the parents must right about the conversation also.
#3 The students could answer questions about the book and connect their answers to their life.
The class divided almost into perfect thirds which excited me because I tossed the "conversation" idea out just to see if anyone would take it. As a class, we developed our themes for the book and discussed how the book was organized from that criteria I allowed them to use that information anyway they chose too.
WOW to say I was super impressed was an understatement. Several times I was moved because I learned so much about my students that I never would have learned in a verbal conversation. If you have not read Wonder to your class, I highly suggest it.
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| Our hallway display is very popular with other students are reading the book. |
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| LOVED the last line of his reflection! |
So great that you gave your students choice in their responses - that allows them to be authentic, I think. I am pushing for Wonder to be our readaloud book at the beginning of the school year - I've heard of other schools doing this, and I think it's the perfect book for starting middle school. So, that is my not so secret plot!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to give students the choice to extend conversations at home. This is such an important book for kids to not only read, but have the chance to discuss with others.
ReplyDeleteI just bought that book on Amazon! I can't wait to read it with my students. I'll remember this idea! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteI just started reading Wonder on Friday. I am so excited to share it with my kids. I forgot to bring the book to school on Friday, so I ordered it on my KIndle just so I could start it. :) I love your final project.
Tara: Once again I am cheering you on from Ohio. Our middle school 6th grade classes all read WONDER as their first read aloud.
ReplyDeleteAmy: It was so refreshing to have students choose to have conversations with their parents.
Jordan and Julie: Enjoy sharing this amazing book-conversations will go places you can't even predict.
I also bought the book on my kindle and when I read from my copy I allowed students to share my Kindle.
Tara: Once again I am cheering you on from Ohio. Our middle school 6th grade classes all read WONDER as their first read aloud.
ReplyDeleteAmy: It was so refreshing to have students choose to have conversations with their parents.
Jordan and Julie: Enjoy sharing this amazing book-conversations will go places you can't even predict.
I also bought the book on my kindle and when I read from my copy I allowed students to share my Kindle.
I'm hanging on to hope that Wonder can be a game-changer for classroom + school culture ... for some kids, the lessons will hit right away, and hopefully for others, the voice of Auggie will hit them when they're ready for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally going to steal your conversation idea -- given what you and I have talked about re: transitions, I bet sixth grade parents would love that. :)