1. Character Education Novel Unit Wonder by RJ Palacio

2. Day 1: Bellringer Assemble Your Learning Journal

3. Essential Questions
What can we do to be more accepting of differences?
How can we show others “respect?”
What is the impact of bullying on the victim?

4. Day 1: Pages 3-14 Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can use active reader strategies to gain meaning from the text.  (predicting, questioning, clarifying, connecting, commenting, inferring, etc.).
I can determine the point of view of a text.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?

5. Inside your Learning Journal, assess yourself on each of these learning targets.
Here is an example…

6. Day 1: Say Something Strategy
Read as much as your hand will cover, then “Say Something” (see below) about what you just read before moving on.
Make a prediction
Ask a question
Clarify your thoughts
Make a comment
Make a connection
If you can do one of these things about what you read, then keep reading. If not, then re-read.

7. Day 1: Pages 3-14 Listen as I read Page 3 aloud to you. Your Job:
Purpose for Reading:
Through which character’s point of view is the story told?
What is so different about the narrator of this story?
Your Job:
Think about the purpose question.
Try to identify when I use the “Say Something” Strategy.
Make a note in your Learning Journal when you hear me do one of these things.

8. Day 1: Pages 3-14 Read Pages 4-5 with a partner* or independently
Practice using the “Say Something” strategy as you read.
Purpose Questions
Why did Mom and Dad lie?
Why do they want him to go to school?

9. Day 1: Pages 3-14 Read 6-14 independently Purpose Questions
Practice using the “Say Something” strategy as you read. Try stopping at the end of each paragraph, page, or chapter.
At the end of each chapter, “Say Something” about what you read to your partner. Then continue reading independently.
Purpose Questions
What is going to happen next?

10. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

11. Day 1: Homework Read Pages 15-34 Purpose for Reading:
What does August think about the school so far? What do other students think about August?

12. Day 2: Bellringer
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can determine the point of view of a text.
I can use evidence from the text to support my answers.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Write the ACES acronym into your learning journal underneath your learning targets.

13. Day 2: Pages 15-34
Since August is the narrator, what does that allow the reader to know?
We do not know how the other characters feel or what they are thinking. What information does the author give the reader to help the reader figure out how the other characters feel or think?
Speech
Body language
Actions

14. Day 2: Pages 15-34
“If you could create a collage of images that represent what Charlotte, Jack, or Julian is thinking, what would that look like inside her mind?”

15. Day 2: Pages 15-34
“What is this character feeling or thinking during the school tour? How do you know?”
Example:
A= August is feeling self- conscious.
C= During the tour, August mentions numerous times that the others are “staring at me” or “looking directly at me” (pg ).
E= Usually people are hyper- aware of when people are staring at them if they are uncomfortable with something about themselves.
S= Therefore, it is evident that he is feeling self-conscious while he is on the school tour.

16. Day 2: Pages 15-34 Think-Pair-Share Exit Ticket (sticky note)
Share ACES paragraph with a partner
What is the author trying to tell the reader so far?
Exit Ticket (sticky note)
What theme (message) is the author trying to communicate?

17. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

18. Day 2: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy!)
Purpose for Reading:
What does the September precept have to do with the developing theme of this novel?

19. Day 3: Bellringer
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can use evidence from the text to support my answers.
I can analyze how the author develops the narrator’s points of view.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Today’s Quick Write:
September Precept- "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind" (pg. 48).
What does this mean?
Why does August say that he thinks he will like school after hearing this precept?

20. Day 3: Pages 35-53 “I Am” Poetry
Create an “I Am” Poem (from August’s Point of View)
Page # as evidence
Must reflect the theme
Synthesize it!
Chalk Talk

21. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

22. Day 3: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” strategy while you read.)
Purpose for Reading:
What does Jack Will do that is so surprising to the reader?

23. Day 4: Bellringer Learning Targets Today’s Quick Write
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can summarize the text.
I can analyze how the author develops the theme through lines, scenes, or chapters.
I can write to reflect on and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Today’s Quick Write
October Precept- "Your deeds are your monuments" (pg. 65).
What does this mean?
How does this precept relate to the developing theme of this novel so far?

24. Day 4: Pages 54-80 Somebody wanted, but so… (a summarizing strategy)
Somebody- character
Wanted- goal
But- conflict
So- resolution

25. Day 4: Pages 54-80 Poll Everywhere Self-Assessment Exit Ticket
On a scale of 1-10 (1= not bad at all, 10= worst thing ever), how would you rate what Jack Will did to August in these chapters?
Self-Assessment
Revisit your learning targets for today.
Check = I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.
Exit Ticket
Reflection on your self-assessment.
What has changed?
What do I still need to work on?

26. Day 4: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for Reading: How does Via feel about August?

27. Day 5: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can analyze a character using the FAST approach.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read pg. 81 and the first eight lines of pg. 82
What does the David Bowie quote have to do with how Via feels about her “universe?”

28. Day 5: Pages

29. Day 5: Pages

30. Day 5: Pages

31. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

32. Day 5: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for Reading:
Why does Summer hang out with August?

33. Day 6: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can analyze a character using the FAST approach.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the Christina Aguilera quote on pg. 118
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from Summer’s perspective?

34. Day 6: Pages 81-117 (continued)
Expert Groups
Use the FAST approach to analyze a character (see handout).
FYI:
Feelings/Thoughts must come from the character’s point of view, but Actions/Saying can also be observed by other characters.
Use text evidence (quote or example from the text; page number included) to support your analysis.
Use the back of the character map to write explanations using text evidence (quotes or examples).
You will use the back page as your present your character to another group.

35. Day 6: Pages 81-117 (continued)
Jigsaw Groups
Reorganize into assigned groups.
Share your Character Map with the group.
Use your thinking sheet on the back to help you with the presentation.
As a group:
Write an ACES paragraph to answer these questions:
After reading the story from three points of view, what is the theme (this could be the same as before or you could identify another one)?
How did reading the novel from a different point of view have an impact on the theme?

36. Day 6: Pages 81-117 (continued)
Self-Assessment Chart
Go to the Learning Target Self Assessment chart in your learning journal.
Put today’s date in the column that best describes your ability to do that learning target.
Exit Ticket
Write a sentence to reflect on your self-assessment. These questions may guide your thinking.
What has changed?
What do I still need to work on?

37. Day 6: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for Reading:
Does Jack make a good decision?

38. Day 7: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can analyze how the author develops the theme through lines, scenes, or chapters.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the quote on pg. 133
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from Jack’s perspective?

39. Day 7: Pages 133-185 Steps for Decision-Making
Alternatives: Think of many, varied things you could do.
Criteria: Think of the varied questions you need to ask about these things you could do. Samples are below:
Weighing: Use your answers to help you make a decision.
Is it safe?
Will anyone get hurt?
What does my conscience say?
What would my parents think?
Decision: State your final decision.
Reasons: Give many, varied reasons for your decision.

40. Day 7: Pages
Create a decision making foldable to help analyze Jack’s decisions.
Did he have any alternatives?
What would have been the best decision?
Discuss
How does the author use Jack’s decision to communicate the theme?

41. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

42. Day 7: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for Reading:
What does Justin do for Jack?

43. Day 8: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can summarize the text.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the quote on pg. 186
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from Justin’s perspective?

44. Day 8: Pages
Visualize!
Choose 4 important events from the chapters you read last night.
Sequence them in the correct order (first, next, then, last)
Accordion-fold your paper into four parts.
Create a comic strip of the 4 events you identified.
Switch comics with a partner and allow the partner to summarize the chapters using just the events in your comic.
Is this an accurate summary of what happened?
Compare comics and put them in your learning journal.

45. Day 8: Pages 186-204 Revisit the Learning Targets Exit Ticket
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.
Exit Ticket
Write a summary paragraph on an index card or sticky note by sequencing the events included in your comic.

46. Day 8: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for reading:
How did Daisy bring August and Via closer together?

47. Day 9: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can determine the theme (author’s message) in a paragraph, chapter, and novel.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the quote on pg. 205
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from August’s perspective?

48. Day 9: Pages

49. Day 9: Pages 205-234 Exit Ticket: Answer Garden
Go to this site and type your answers to this question:
After comparing and contrasting Via and August, what is one word that you would use to describe the author’s message?
__http://answergarden.ch/view/63029__

50. Day 9: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for reading:
How did Miranda’s decision about the play further support the theme?

51. Day 10: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can analyze a character using the FAST approach.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the quote on pg. 235
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from Miranda’s perspective?

52. Day 10: Pages

53. FAST Character Analysis:
Day 10: Pages
FAST Character Analysis:
Justin, Jack, or Miranda

54. Day 10: Pages 235-248 Hosted Gallery Walk
Host- stays to share Character Map with visiting classmates
Reporter- roves around to other groups that had the same character assignment to get ideas
Return to your partner and “report” what you heard others say about the character
Revisit the Learning Targets
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.

55. Day 10: Homework
Read Pages (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for reading:
How has life at school changed for August?

56. Day 11: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can use evidence from the text to support my answers.
I can analyze how the author develops the narrator’s points of view.
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write
Re-read the quote on pg. 249
Why would the author choose this quote to start the chapter from August’s perspective?

57. Day 11: Pages 249-280 “I Was” Poetry
Create an “I Am” Poem (from August’s Point of View)
Page # as evidence
Must reflect the theme
Self-Assessment Chart
Look back at the Learning Target Self-Assessment Chart in your learning journal.
Put today’s date in the appropriate column that best describes your ability to do each learning target.

58. Day 11: Homework
Read Pages (end) (Don’t forget to use the “Say Something” Strategy while you read.)
Purpose for reading:
Using a sticky note, mark ONE significant sentence, paragraph, or page.
Significant = important, profound, thought-provoking, and interesting
Come prepared to share it with a small group tomorrow

59. Day 12: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can determine the theme (author’s message) in a paragraph, chapter, and novel.
I can analyze how the author develops the theme through lines, scenes, or chapters.
I can use active reader strategies (predicting, questioning, clarifying, connecting, commenting, inferring, etc.).
I can write to reflect and explain my thinking.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?
Quick Write- Re-read the first paragraph on pg. 300
How does the author use this paragraph to communicate the theme to the reader?

60. Day 12: Pages 281-310 Final Word Protocol
Use the sticky note with significant part from last night’s reading
Student 1 will read aloud the passage to the group (passage and page #).
Student 1 will share why you chose this passage.
Students 2-3 will take turns sharing their thoughts about Student 1’s passage.
Student 1 will have the “final word” to reflect on what was shared about the passage after Student 2-3 have shared their thoughts.
Repeat above steps for Students 2 and 3.

61. Day 12: Pages
Chalk Talk
Respond to these questions by writing your answer or responding to another.
Why would the author title the book this way?
What does it mean to be a “wonder?”
Who was a “wonder” in this novel?
What does “wonder” have to do with the theme of this novel?

62. Day 12: Pages 281-310 Self-Assessment Chart
Look back at the Learning Target Self-Assessment Chart in your learning journal.
Put today’s date in the appropriate column that best describes your ability to do each learning target.
Mark all except the last one.

63. Day 13: Bellringer Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can determine the theme (author’s message) in a paragraph, chapter, and novel.
I can analyze how the author develops the theme through lines, scenes, or chapters.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?

64. Day 13: After Reading Watch this video clip Types of Bullying
Types of Bullying
Relational
trying to destroy a person’s relationship with other by effecting how others feel about that person
Verbal
bullying by relentless teasing and insults
Physical
bullying with physical violence

65. Day 13: After Reading Novel Hunt
Find examples of your assigned type of bullying in the book.
Post your examples on your class Padlet.
Label the examples into the three different types of bullying.
Relational
Verbal
Physical

66. Day 13: After Reading Think-WRITE-Pair-Share
Write answers to these questions in your learning journal:
How did this make August feel? Jack?
How did it make the reader feel?
How does the author use these feelings to further communicate the message to the reader?
Pair with a classmate to share your thoughts.

67. Learning Target(s) Revisited
Look back at your daily learning target(s) that you recorded at the beginning of class today.
Code the targets based on your ability to master that target.
Check= I got it!
Star= I’m getting there.
Circle= I need help with this one.  

68. Day 14: Performance Task Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can explain, examine, and exhibit the theme of “respect others” as I work on a project with a small group of peers.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?

69. Day 14: Performance Task

70. Work with your “Agency Partner” to complete this performance task.
Day 14: Performance Task
Work with your “Agency Partner” to complete this performance task.

71. Day 15: Performance Task Learning Targets
Write your learning targets on the LEFT side of your learning journal.
I can explain, examine, and exhibit the theme of “respect others” as I work on a project with a small group of peers.
Are there any words that you do not understand in the learning targets?

72. Day 15: Performance Task

73. Work with your “Agency Partner” to complete this performance task.
Day 15: Performance Task
Work with your “Agency Partner” to complete this performance task.