A number of symbols appear throughout Wonder. Symbols are objects or events that have a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. Have students choose something from Wonder that has symbolic meaning, and create a storyboard of it along with a text explanation.
Questions to get students started:
Auggie mentions shoes a number of times. This shows that he spends a lot of time looking down, not making eye contact. This is probably because he is self-conscious and doesn't want to see the reactions people will have to his face.
Auggie cutting his braid off symbolizes personal growth and a clear transition from one part of his life (homeschooling) to another ("real school").
Auggie frequently wore an astronaut helmet in the past, and also wears a "Scream" mask on Halloween. Masks symbolize Auggie's desire to hide from others. He feels freakish and thinks people don't like him because of his appearance.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies and explains symbols in Wonder.
Understanding symbols can be difficult for students to grasp. Use some common symbols found in the classroom to help. For instance, a heart is just a shape, but it represents so much more, like love, devotion, and friendship. Once students understand symbols in real life, they can then tackle them in stories.
Students may need help to point out which objects may have significance in a story. Not every "thing" represents something beyond itself, but when objects show the growth of characters or impact the action and meaning of the story, they are often symbols.
Students learn best through doing, so allowing students to draw the symbols they find and write short descriptions is a powerful idea. This leads to deeper thinking and better understanding.
Symbols are very important in a story, and they are objects that represent something beyond themselves. They may show a deeper meaning or that a change is coming for a character. They fill a story with layers and depth, and make the story more intricate.
Students should look for objects that are repeated several times in the story. The objects may relate to a character or situation and often signify a change for the characters or the plot.