Students in Grade 6 read the novel Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. The book is about a 10-year-old boy named August, who is born with a rare genetic syndrome known at Treacher-Collins. The main character, August, is attending school for the first time and faces many challenges including bullying. Our students spent many lessons talking about what it meant to be different and how we can overcome those challenges. Students also had group discussions about how they would react and feel if we were to have a student like August attend our school.  

Along with the art activity, students were asked to choose a precept (a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought) and write what it means to them, and how to apply it in their lives. Much like the novel cover, students were asked to draw themselves as a wonder, showcasing their creativity. As a grade level, students created an anemograph, which is three pictures in one. If you view the piece from each side, you will see a different image, much like our lives. If we take the time to get to know each other, we will see that we are all wonders, and have more than one side to our lives.