Wonder Breakout Edu

Several years ago, while I was co-teaching fifth grade, I used Wonder as a read aloud companion to one of our district's English Language Arts unit. Although I have since moved into an Instructional Coaching role, Wonder is still used in fifth grade. Recently, the movie was released, and I decided to create a Breakout Edu game, "We're All Wonders," students could use after reading the book. In this game, students solve a series of clues to unlock six locks and breakout.  

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We're All Wonders!

Game Name: We're All Wonders

Game Designer: Stephanie Laird @LairdLearning, LairdLearning.com

Content Areas: Reading

Recommended Ages: 3rd-6th grade

Ideal Group Size: Whole Class

Suggested Time: 45 minutes

Story:
This morning, Mr. Browne dropped off a box containing messages from Auggie. Don’t worry, unlike the notes Julian left for Auggie and Jack, these are Wonderful. To open the box, you will need to work together and use lessons you have learned from Auggie’s life. Remember, we’re all wonders!  You have 45 minutes to problem solve and Breakout.  Your time starts now!

Lock Combinations:

• 3-Digit Lock  301 
• 4-Digit Lock  1010
• ABC Multi-Lock  KIND!
• Directional Lock  →↓←↑←
• Key Lock  Taped to On that day’s precept in 365 Days of Wonder 
• Color clock  White, Yellow, Red, White, Blue

Setup Instructions:

1. Print out all clue cards
2. On the back of each precepts card, use invisible ink to write one letter to spell out: CHOOSE KIND!) Hide precept cards around the room.
3. Tape the key on the 365 Days of Wonder page that corresponds to the date the Breakout will be played. Place book somewhere in the room
4. Cut the arrows apart and place around the room.
5. Cut the color images apart and place around the room. (These will unlock the color lock)
6. Hide the Birthday and Halloween party invitations around the room.
7. Hide the flashlight around the room.
8. Using the hasp, lock the Breakout Box with the directional lock, 3 digit lock, 4 digit lock, word lock, color lock, and key lock on the hasp.

Reflection Questions:

1. How did your group utilize each individual’s strengths?
2. How did you contribute to your team?
3. Did everyone in your group have an opportunity to contribute?
4. Describe a moment in the game when your team worked well together.
5. How could your group have been more effective?

Additional Requirements: ​
​Checkout a copy of 365 Days of Wonder from your school library.
Optional: Wonder bookmarks or Choose Kind pledge to be placed inside the Breakout Box


CCSS:  RL.1, RL.2, RL.3