NCTE: The Future Is Now

Choose Kind:
Building Character Through Literacy
A Multigenre Inquiry Project

WHAT IS A MULTIGENRE INQUIRY PROJECT?

This project focuses on the exploration of an essential question through contemporary
literature. Instead of designing instruction, the project focuses on finding creative contexts for
students to explore the essential question beyond the typical essay. Through Wonder, by R.J.
Palacio, students will investigate why and how we ought be kind.

WHY THIS CENTRAL QUESTION?

Today, schools and society are becoming increasingly diverse. As a result, instilling
compassion and kindness in a world, that sometimes seems to be filled with more differences
than similarities, is more important than ever. Wonder provides numerous opportunities to
celebrate individuality and to foster a sense of connectedness through the universal human
need to belong. Exposure to many layers of kindness intertwined with the complexities of
human nature will produce dynamic and thought-provoking discussions: What motivates
kindness? Why do we choose to be kind? What shapes who we are kind to? Is kindness
always necessary? Should being kind be easy? Is being kind always the right thing to do?

WONDER BY R.J. PALACIO

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse (p.3).

But if a little kid like Jamie, who's usually a nice enough kid, can be that mean, then a kid like August doesn't stand a chance in
middle school" (p. 140).

Wonder is a novel that will make you laugh out loud, break your heart and repair it all at once. It is the story of a ten-year-old boy
named August (Auggie) Pullman. To the world, Auggie is anything but ordinary. Born with a rare facial deformity he wasnt
expected to survive, August is used to the stares and whispers that follow him wherever he goes. So, when his parents bring up the
idea of attending a real school, August already knows that his answer is no. However, with their support and the encouragement
of his protective older sister, Via, August decides to give Beecher Prep, the neighborhood private school, a chance. The reader
watches August transform throughout the novel, as well as how he changes those around him. His resilience and ability to find the
humor in lifes messiness teaches not only those closest to him, but his entire school how powerful a little courage and
kindness can be.

PRODUCTIONS OF GENRE INQUIRY

Emotions Found poetry about kindness using an article from the local newspaper. In this way, kindness is found everywhere.
Interactions Two comic strips depicting (1) an interaction between characters that results in a missed opportunity for kindness
and (2) the reality that could have occurred had those involved chosen to be kind.
Research Information An anti-bullying flyer based in research that strives to make being kind cool.
The Other Side A drawing that takes into consideration the two sides of a character; the light and the darkness within us all.
Strategic Use An infographic that depicts research-based reasons why people should be kind.

choosekind-amandakim.weebly.com
 INTERACTIONS RESEARCH INFORMATION

THE OTHER SIDE STRATEGIC USE

CONNECTIONS TO OTHER LITERATURE

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
In theYear of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Mark Simont
Amanda Kim Blubber by Judy Blume
Wake Forest University The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
amanda.kim17@icloud.com

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions,

comments, or to learn more about the project and how you
can incorporate it into your classroom. Thank you!