Wonder is told from multiple points of view. First Auggie, then Via, then other characters. As students read, they'll notice how each of the points of view are important to understanding both Auggie and the people around him. In this activity, students can analyze one of the points of view or they can assess all of them and compare and contrast each element. The example above and the template provided showcase one point of view.
Have students identify quotes from each section of the book that illustrate which point of view the story is being told from, as well as quotes that showcase that character's views on themselves, Auggie, and other students in the school. Students will illustrate key scenes or moments or a general depiction for each quote.
Extended activity: Students may want to integrate Mr. Browne's Precepts into this activity by identifying which precepts the character follows and provide an example of where they do in their section.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that examines the perspective of each character in Wonder who gets a section in the story.
Lead a full class discussion of point of view. Give examples of students and how they might see the same thing differently in a classroom, or if one person tells the story, what details might be left out. Point of view is a specific character's version of events.
To get students more fully engaged, lead a discussion on how each character sees themself in the book, how they view Auggie, and how they interact with any other characters. Pay close attention to how different characters can see the same event but experience it quite differently.
When you help students solidify their thinking about different perspectives in the text, teach them how to use quotes to back up what they are thinking. This is concrete evidence from the text to show different perspectives.
Point of view refers to whose vantage point the story is being told from. Often stories will feature a narrator that tells the story, and these would have an all-knowing point of view. If one character tells their version of the story, this would express only certain aspects of the story that they see in their little corner of the world.
If a variety of characters tell the story from their point of view, you get a richer explanation of what is going on in the story. You get a wider view and understand how the actions of the story affect multiple characters, and not just one.