Exploring Empathy

Overview

This lesson centers around Chapter 1 of "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, focusing on character understanding and empathy. Students will explore narrative perspective, discuss themes, and engage in creative writing, aligning with the Common Core State Standards for Grade 8 English Language Arts.

Curriculum Area

• Reading Literature: Key Ideas and Details
• Writing: Text Types and Purposes
• Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Objectives

• Students will analyze the character of August "Auggie" Pullman and understand his perspective.
• Students will discuss the importance of empathy and how it is portrayed in the text.
• Students will create a short narrative writing piece from a different character's perspective.

Materials

• Copies of "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
• Whiteboard and markers
• Student notebooks and pens

Time Breakdown

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin by asking students to reflect on a time when they met someone new and what they noticed about that person first.
2. Objective Overview: Explain that the class will explore the theme of empathy through the first chapter of "Wonder".

Reading and Discussion (15 minutes)

1. Read Aloud: Read Chapter 1 of "Wonder" focusing on Auggie's introduction.
2. Character Analysis: Ask guided questions such as, “How does Auggie describe himself?” and “How do you think Auggie feels about starting school?”
3. Empathy Exploration: Facilitate a discussion about how Auggie’s story makes students feel and why it’s important to see the world through others’ eyes.

Activity (15 minutes)

1. Creative Writing Task:
   • Prompt: Choose another character who Auggie interacts with in Chapter 1. Rewrite a scene from their perspective.
   • Allow students 10 minutes to write. Encourage descriptive language and empathy.
2. Sharing: Pair students to read each other's narratives and provide positive feedback.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflection: Ask students to share what they learned about empathy and narrative perspective.
2. Wrap-up Discussion: Reinforce how understanding different perspectives can change perceptions and foster kindness.

Homework (Optional)

• Students can read the next chapter of "Wonder" and consider writing a journal entry from Auggie’s perspective.

Assessment

• Participation in discussion
• Completion of the creative writing task
• Quality and depth of empathy perspective demonstrated in the narrative

This lesson plan aims to encourage students to explore the concept of empathy through close reading and creative writing, fostering both literacy skills and emotional intelligence.