Give each family member a folder, envelope or index card.  Set aside a little time several times during the week to have each family member sit down and write down a compliment/something to be thankful for each family member and then stick it in that individual's holder.  The individual can check his/her folder as often as he/she wants to see compliments.  You may have to model how to write appropriate "compliments" prior to beginning this activity.

Some examples:

• I was so happy how you did your homework today without asking.
• Thank you mom for cooking my favorite meal today.
• Thank you "brother" for letting me borrow your favorite toy.
• I love how you said such a thoughtful prayer last night.

A modified version for older kids would be to make a Gratitude Calendar.  Print each family member a template of the current month's calendar.  Each day they must write something that they are thankful for.

Choose Kind Website--lots of ideas!

http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/choose-kind/pledge.php

Wonder--the movie!!! Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFRuh1fPygg

What to think about...................................

1.  What makes a person a good friend?  How did Auggie's friends show they were good friends?


2.  Who was your favorite character and why?


3.  How you react if someone like Auggie came to your school??

Welcome and Instructions!!

Hi Everyone,

I have chosen the first book for our online book club--it is a book that touches on an important and relevant topic.  The content should be good for all age levels although the reading level may be too difficult for the younger readers.  Your reader can read it individually, with a friend or have an adult read it to them.  Again, although I reviewed it, please check it out for yourself to make sure the content is appropriate for your reader!!  I will also pick a book with a lower reading level in the next couple days and post that!

The BOOK IS..........

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. 

The Book is available at the Bismarck Public Library, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

I have set a finish date for August 15th but everyone is able to work at their own pace.  I will post some activities and questions to go along with the book in a week or so which you can try out and answer (optional).  Remember readers can participate as little or as much as their schedule allows but please post at least one time per month!!  You or your reader may post comments and responses by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of the page!