Wonder (2017) – Complete Movie Discussion Guide

Students discuss character choices and kindness while following Wonder with a chronological movie guide. Teacher responses and a dated bullying-statistics supplement extend the film discussion.
Grades
Grades 5–8
Pages
11
File type
PDF
Answer key
Included

Updated May 02, 2023

Subject
ELA
Topic
Wonder movie, Movie guide
Resource types
Worksheets
Answer key
Included
Standards
SL.6.1

Product description

From the author

"Wonder" is a heartwarming movie released in 2017 based on the novel by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity who is starting fifth grade at a new school. Auggie has been homeschooled his entire life due to his condition, but his parents, Isabel and Nate, think it's time for him to experience a traditional school setting. Auggie is nervous about starting school because he knows he looks different from other kids and is afraid of being bullied or teased. The movie follows Auggie's journey as he tries to fit in at school and make new friends. He faces many challenges along the way, including being bullied by some of his classmates, but also finds support from others who accept him for who he is. In addition to Auggie's story, the movie also explores the perspectives of other characters, including Auggie's older sister Via, who feels neglected by her parents' focus on Auggie's needs, and Auggie's classmates, who struggle with their own issues and prejudices. Throughout the movie, Auggie learns important lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of being true to yourself. The movie has a positive message about accepting differences and embracing diversity. "Wonder" is a touching and inspiring movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between. It's a reminder that kindness and compassion can go a long way in making the world a better place.

"Based on the New York Times bestseller, this movie tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time." This product includes 28-questions that will help your students get the most out of this movie. I have also included time stamps to make it easier for lesson planning. I have also included a presentation on bullying statistics that will help students understand how widespread bullying truly is. Preview the film and dated statistics before teaching.

Excellent film for promoting Character Education! Arrange access to the film separately.

Clipart credit: AppleCheeks

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Track plot events and character choices in Wonder (2017) in chronological order while watching

  • Recall the film's key precepts about kindness and identity, including 'choose kind'

  • Connect the film's bullying theme to real national statistics on how often and why students are bullied

Teaching tips

  • Pause between the four viewing sections at about 30, 60 and 90 minutes, allowing for the version of the film.

  • Use question 18 to interpret “Your deeds are your monuments.” Question 28 is a fill-in quotation beginning “Be kind”; “choose kind” appears in question 4.

  • Check the supplement’s original references before teaching its percentages: it labels all pages NCES 2019 but does not supply a full citation or consistent population information. Treat it as dated material.

Skills covered

  • Chronological note-taking — students track plot events and answer questions in the same order they occur in the film.

  • Theme interpretation — students explain the meaning of the film's repeated precepts about kindness and identity.

  • Data connection — students relate the film's bullying storyline to real national statistics on school bullying.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

How can I use the bullying-statistics supplement with the movie?

Compare the film’s portrayal with the dated national figures in the supplement, which cites2019. Identify the date and source before discussion, and use a current source separately if the lesson needs present-day statistics.

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Curriculum

Standards, concepts & topics

Standards

  • SL.6.1

Core concepts

  • Empathy and kindness ('choose kind')

  • Bullying and its effects

  • Chronological film comprehension

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