Reading project: The perks of being a wallflower

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Havo 2: Reading project

1. Learning objectives
2. Activating prior knowledge 
3. Pre-activity
4. During activity 
5. After actvity 
6. Reviewing 

Learning objectives 

• Students will understand the central themes and ideas presented in the trailer for The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
• Students will analyze the main character’s challenges and experiences, relating them to broader themes such as friendship, identity, and acceptance.
• Students will participate in group discussions, actively listening to peers and sharing their own ideas in English.
• Students will explore universal themes of adolescence as depicted in the trailer, gaining insights into perspectives and experiences outside their own.

Pre-activity 

Activating students prior knowledge by posing open ended questions!

 

How did you feel on your first day of middle school?

What are some struggles (worstelt) you face in your life as a teenager?

Can be being quiet be a strength? If so how?

What does it mean to 'fit in'

1. To copy others
2. To always agree with everyone in the group.
3. To feel accepted and like you belong in a group.
4. To fit in to a piece clothing.

What does it mean to be a 'wall flower?'

1. Someone who loves nature and gardening.
2. Someone who prefers to stay on the sidelines and not be noticed.
3. Someone who is always the center of attention.
4. Someone who stands out in a crowd.

Pre-activity- watch the trailor of the Perks of being a wall flower and read the following questions and then discuss in pairs: 

1. What do you think the book is about?
2. What challenges do you think the main character faces based on the trailer?
3. What does the trailer suggest about the importance of having a group of friends or support system?
4. What message do you think this movie wants to share about growing up and self-acceptance?

During activity 1: Read chapter 1-4 

Activity: Create a playlist of 5 song: each song should be a reflection Charlie’s emotions, with explanations for each song.

Song name:  "Fix You" by Coldplay

Emotion: Hope and Healing

Motivation: As Charlie begins to open up and form 

meaningful relationships, there is a sense of healing. This song symbolizes the efforts of his friends, particularly Sam and Patrick, 

to help him process his trauma and grow emotionally.

During activity 2: Journal entry

Step one: Using your character analysis,  write a journal entry from the perspective of one of the three characters: Charlie/ Sam / Patrick  (200-300 words) 

 Step two: Use the worksheet at the end of the powerpoint to write your jounral entry. It should be based on the first 1-10 chapters of the book. Step into the character's shoes and deepen your understanding of the character’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

Step three: Try and use specific examples from the book to support your points (e.g., quotes or references to key scenes).

Post activity- Writing a character analysis

Instructions: Using the character you chose for your journal entry. Write a character anaylsis. Chapter 14-end: Use the questions on the following slide as a guide to help you. (600-1000 words). 

1. Patrick

 2. Charlie

3. Sam 

Post activity: Chracter anaylsis- Guiding questions

1. Who is the character? Describe their personality, behaviour and role in the story so far.

2. What challenges do they face? Explain what struggles or conflicts the character is dealing with and how they respond to them.

3. What are their strengths and weaknesses? Reflect on what makes the character unique, including positive traits and flaws.

4. How do they interact with others? Consider the relationships they have (e.g., friendships, family) and how these shape their actions or feelings.

5. How do you feel about the character? Share your opinion about the 

character and explain why you feel this way.

Follow up activity: Group presentation and class discussion 

Everyone is going to be put into groups of 6: (Each group  will be presenting one character from the book). Each group will present their character analysis, explaining how their character evolves throughout the story, the challenges they face, and their relationships with other characters. 

The rest of the class will listen and may ask questions.