Precepts Lesson based on Wonder by RJ Palacio

1. PRECEPTS…
O C TO B E R 2 0 1 6 C H A R A C T E R E D

2. LEARNING TARGET:
• Students will be able to define the term precept, and identify multiple examples of
precepts.
• Students will begin to understand the meaning of precepts by practicing metaphors
and similies through class discussions.

3. WHAT IS A PRECEPT?
• Definition: A general rule to regulate behavior or thought.
To set certain moral standards
A motto
• Translation: Rules about really important things in life.

4. FOR EXAMPLE… WHAT DOES THIS
MEAN?

5. CLASS DISCUSSION…
• Brainstorm some of your own precepts that are good to live by. These can be your
favorite sayings, quotes, or your own ideas, etc.

6. WONDER – BY RJ PALACIO
• This month’s theme comes from the book, Wonder. Here’s a little background:
August Pullman was born with severe facial deformities-no outer ears, eyes in the wrong place,
his skin "melted"-and he's learned to steel himself against the horrified reactions he produces
in strangers. Now, after years of homeschooling, his parents have enrolled him in fifth grade.
Though he has some expectedly horrible experiences at school, Auggie has
lucked out with the adults in his life who value kindness over all other qualities.
While one bully manages, temporarily, to turn most of Auggie's classmates
against him, good wins out. It's a rare story with the power to open eyes-and
hearts-to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control,
when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.

7. 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL…
• When August goes to English, the word PRECEPT is written on the board. His teacher,
Mr. Browne, explains what a precept is and that there will be a monthly precept that
they will discuss and write an essay about. He has a tradition with all of his students
over the summer to come up with their own precept and send it to him on a postcard
from a vacation spot. He explains that some of his students have continued to do it
year after year, even after they have graduated from high school.
• Mr. Browne’s first precept for the year:

8. MR. BROWNE’S PRECEPT:
• When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.
– RJ Palacio

9. KINDNESS…
• Why do you think Mr. Browne chose this as the first precept for the year?
• What types of things can you do to be kind to others at school?