Making Connections

To launch our adventure into realistic fiction, I chose Wonder by R.J. Palacio for my read aloud. Due to the weather, we’ve had many stops and starts. (Although I am not complaining about snow days!) This week, we finished part 1, told by August’s point of view and began part 2, told by August’s sister Via’s point of view. I could tell the students were disappointed to leave August, but recovered quickly when they were able to learn more about August from his sister. We are practicing making connections while we read in order to understand and make meaning. Our connections should help us empathize with a character or understand how an event in the story is important to the unraveling of the plot and author’s purpose for writing.

To summarize: August just overheard someone who he thought was his friend, share some hurtful comments to another student, Julian. Julian has not made it a secret that he doesn’t care for August. Also, Via tells us what it feels like to be August’s sister. She relates her four week trip to Grans while August has one of his many surgeries. She confesses that Grans considers Via her favorite since August already has many angels looking out for him.

Here’s what the students said:

Jessica: The part where August walked into the room and overheard Julian reminded me of when I walked in on my parents talking about Christmas because they didn’t know I was there.

Carlie: The part where August heard them (Julian & Jack) talking about him reminds me of the time I walked up on people talking about me. It made me sad just like they August felt sad when he heard them.

Kai: The part where August heard Jack talking to Julian like he doesn’t like him (August) reminds me when people talk about me behind by back. Just like August, I was made fun of.

Taylor: When I read the part about August and Via’s grandmother dying so quickly, it reminded me of my uncle dying to quickly and unexpected.

James: When I read the part about how August shows emotions by certain movements, it reminded me of how people that can’t hear show emotions with certain movements.

Phebe: When I read about August having so many things wrong with him, it reminded me of the book You Had Me at Woof because the lady that owns the dog, Otto, has problems just like August.

Cassidy: When I read the part about Via going to the hospital to see her grandmother, it reminded me when I went to the hospital to see my great aunt and she was dying when I got there.