Such WONDERful Lessons!
5th-graders learn about realistic fiction.
Ms. Melissa Lamph has drawn her 5th-grade students into the heart of Wonder by R. J. Palacio, and the class has been fully engaged. Together, they are spending thoughtful time getting to know complex characters who have real faults, deep feelings, and sometimes make surprising choices.
Wonder is a good selection for this particular group of students.
"I like the book Wonder," commented 5th-grade Jake B. "It's really cool because it has a lot of detail and dialogue. It's a good book because it makes me feel like I am in the book."
"Part of our Reading Workshop explores Realistic Fiction through a different lens," said Ms. Lamph. “We have had lessons exploring what makes realistic fiction feel real, how to make inferences, the complexities of characters, and how their wants and needs influence their actions.”
The students quickly connected with the main character, Auggie, who is also a 5th-grader. As the reader learns, Auggie was born with severe facial differences and homeschooled for most of his life; he is about to enter school for the first time at age 10. He is understandably both excited and nervous about the change—feelings many of our own Sharks recognized.
"I like the book Wonder," commented 5th-grade Jake B. "It's really cool because it has a lot of detail and dialogue. It's a good book because it makes me feel like I am in the book."
"Part of our Reading Workshop explores Realistic Fiction through a different lens," said Ms. Lamph. “We have had lessons exploring what makes realistic fiction feel real, how to make inferences, the complexities of characters, and how their wants and needs influence their actions.”
The students quickly connected with the main character, Auggie, who is also a 5th-grader. As the reader learns, Auggie was born with severe facial differences and homeschooled for most of his life; he is about to enter school for the first time at age 10. He is understandably both excited and nervous about the change—feelings many of our own Sharks recognized.
The class took a close look at Auggie’s personality, the challenges he encounters, and the ways he responds. The work invited students to think carefully about what it means to be a multi-dimensional person.
"The book is incredible for beginning-of-the-year lessons in fifth grade because it tells the story of a boy entering school for the first time, reflecting many of the uncertainties, transitions, and emotions that fifth graders experience," said Ms. Lamph. "Our main character navigates all of this while also facing the challenges of being born with a facial difference!"
Told from the perspectives of six different characters, each carrying their own worries and hopes, Wonder gives readers a rich, layered view of the story. Students have enjoyed stepping into different points of view and seeing how the same moments can feel different depending on who’s telling them.
"This book has sparked honest conversations around bullying, inclusion, and how a single friend can really change someone's life," Ms. Lamph added.
To celebrate the end of their study, the class will watch the film version of Wonder together—a chance to see the story come to life after all the careful thinking and discussion they’ve shared.
To celebrate the end of their study, the class will watch the film version of Wonder together—a chance to see the story come to life after all the careful thinking and discussion they’ve shared.
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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