Wonder Lesson 4: Why I Didn't Go to School - PowerPoint

The fourth lesson in the English Teaching Resources series engages students with the book 'Wonder' by delving into pages 4-5 for a comprehensive study. Students are encouraged to read and discuss these pages as a class, utilising a 'Wonder Dictionary' sheet to record and learn new vocabulary. This approach not only enhances their understanding of the text but also expands their linguistic repertoire. The lesson includes a word warm-up activity focusing on time adverbials, prompting students to identify and create sentences using these linguistic tools. Understanding the function of time adverbials in writing and spoken language is emphasised to help students appreciate their importance in structuring narratives and conveying the sequence of events.

Comprehension exercises form the core of the lesson, where students are tasked with writing a short diary entry from the perspective of the main character, August, as he faces the morning of his first day at school. Several questions guide the students' engagement with the text, asking them to consider August's grade level, the meaning of phrases like 'figured out', his friendships, and his previous desire to attend school. Further probing questions explore why August hasn't been to school before, his relationship with his mother, and his thoughts on starting school. These exercises not only test students' comprehension but also encourage them to empathise with the character's experiences and reflect on the narrative's deeper themes. The lesson is designed to foster critical thinking, creative writing, and a deeper engagement with the text.