WONDER | FINAL ESSAY ✨

“Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of dreams.”

This is the quote, originally by The Elephant Man’s John Merrick, that signals the beginning of Justin’s perspective in R.J Palacio’s literary work, Wonder. This small but profound phrase gives us a subtle hint on what is to come of the high school student living in New York’s character; the character in which readers were quick to admire and gain a better understanding of the storyline through.

Justin is introduced to the Wonder storyline as the boy Via, August’s sister, meets at her new school through drama club. Via is immediately attracted to him as they interact throughout a series of play rehearsals. Despite his lack of knowledge about August at his point in introduction, Justin provides a unique perspective of the Pullman family that allows readers to fully comprehend the detailed storyline of Wonder as a whole. What this means is he tells the story of what a person outside of the Pullman’s, and what a pupil at Via’s school can determine during their short occasions (during plays and school events) of meeting Via’s little brother and first seeing his facial deformities.

When Via initially informed Justin about her brother’s facial deformities, he is surprised. It has been two months since the pair began dating at this point, and they are on their third date. Justin was reluctant to show his surprise to the confession. The reasoning for this is that Via had described her little brother August in such immense detail, from his slanted eyes and scar-littered lips and nose, and it should not come as a shock to him. Justin lies to Via to assure her he is not shocked, but because Justin then admits to the readers he is not freaked out or scared, simply surprised at the first occasion in meeting her girlfriend’s little brother, we are reassured he is okay with August. This statement turns out to be true, and Justin revolves into a surprising figure of authority as the storyline develops.

An example of Justin’s authority occurs after school, at the grocery store next to the bus station. Jack has asked Justin for a dollar, to buy some gum, he tells him. Justin observes as he walks to the grocery station, admitting to readers he believes he is too small to be walking around by herself. It is when three boys; who Justin fails to identify as Julian, Henry, and Miles, nudge each other and backtrack their steps into the grocery store, grasps his full attention. They see them outside the grocery store, hiding behind the fruit stand. When Jack emerges from the entrance they follow him, imitating vomiting sounds, which is not a change in character for the three boys who tend to make fun of August and Jack a lot of the time. An example of Miles, Henry and Julian’s cruel tendencies is when on Halloween, Julian mentioned to his friends that August looked like Darth Sidious, a Star Wars character with facial deformities. Julian was unaware that August was in the classroom with them all because he did not wear the Boba Fett outfit he had told everyone he was going to wear that day, instead wearing a Bleeding Scream mask. This hurt August’s feelings. Jack does not seem phased by the incident and walks back to Justin as if nothing happens. He is questioned by Justin as to who they are and if they were bothering him. Jack admits they have never done anything quite like that before, but he is turning the whole grade against him in a form of ‘war’. Jack brings out a piece of paper with three columns claiming what sides of the war everyone in the grade is in - the three columns consisting of the neutrals, people against Jack, and people on Jack’s side. The real reason for Julian being against Jack is because he is friends with August, who is considered unpopular and a ‘freak’ at Beecher Prep. Justin soon realises that Jack may be reluctant to tell him the true story because he is close to the Pullmans. Justin, who is now upset and angered by their actions, proceeds to cross the road to the boys, and with a lash of authority and through gritted teeth, tells Julian, Miles, and Henry not to mess with Jack. This is a change in character for Justin who has been so far seen in the storyline as a submissive character. He has never gotten into conflict with any other characters up until this point. This displays that Justin is truly committed to stand up for August and his friends, and has the authority and willingness to do so. This proves that Justin has accepted and gotten used to the difficult-to-apprehend appearance of August Pullman in a very positive way.

It is with this information gathered that readers, after reading, recognise Justin as a well-liked character with a unique perspective on August. He is unquestionably willing to stand up for August and has come to terms with his appearance positively, although he is surprised when they first meet. This allows Justin to be identified as an admired character that has the ability to provide readers a greater understanding of the Pullman family and it’s wonders.

WONDER | BOOK VS. MOVIE ✨

What am I learning?
I am learning to compare the events in one event (book) to an adaption of it (movie). 

How does this show my learning?
By doing a Venn Diagram I can show what I know happened in the book, in the movie, and what are the same.

What am I wondering?
Why didn't the creators of the movie just go by what happened in the book?

Wonder Novel Study: JUSTIN ✨

"Describe a character or individual that you disliked OR admired in the written text. Explain how your feelings towards this character helped you understand the text as a whole."

What was an individual that you disliked or admired in the written text?... The character I chose for was Justin. Yet somehow, it wasn’t planned. It went more like how a piece of driftwood drifts through a rip… yeah, it was like that. I was attracted to Justin in the same way; his character intrigued me. He is merely an extra in the shot of the universe Wonder is set in, yet there is something about this individual that makes me admire, and wonder about Justin. Here’s why.

It is page 113 when we are told, from Via’s perspective, of her school’s reaction to the rare condition August has. “I don’t want to be defined that way,” she says, the final line of the paragraph she has spent explaining the whispers between stolen glances and the conversations thrown up into the air like forbidden pixie dust, that Via experiences. We can determine from this small yet profound phrase, that this is a fear Via may hold. The fear that she will be judged not by her personality, but the rare condition outlining the features on her brother’s face and neck. The scars littering his lips and nose. The slanted eyes and dare I say, ‘ugly appearance.’

It should be, by no surprise, a harsh surprise for Justin. The pretty girl he has fallen in love with, to hold such an enormous secret she devises to keep confidential. In fact, it is the third date when this secret comes out. However Justin does not react the way that would be expected of any of Via’s classmates. He accepts it. He lets it absorb his mind at times. ‘I’m not shocked,’ he lies, careful to reassure Via that everything is fine, because, it turns out to be. Justin revolves into a figure of surprising authority. It is at the subway that he stands up for August and Jack; bravely turning his attention to the boys that have been tormenting them. “Don’t mess with Jack,” he says slowly yet forcefully. His carefully woven words share a perspective of the reactions of older people outside of the Pullman family. What it is really like to have got to known August Pullman.

It is this that made me believe in Justin a lot more; to allow me to realise he is not just a single star in the Wonder universe.

Justin is a planet revolving around the sun.  

Wonder Novel Study Part Seven ✨

Wonder Work | Pages 249-310

1. August's fears of going on the camp were justified in my opinion. It can be nerve-wrecking to sleep away from home right now and it's fair that August's condition would be worse judging by his needs. He hasn't stayed away before and being at a camp surrounded by people he's only known for a few months would be scary.

2. Eddie and Julian, the two bullies in the story, are different. Julian takes a verbal bullying approach that may be foreseen as adults as just teasing or 'false compliments'. Eddie on the other hand, takes a physical approach with a goal to hurt his victims. They are two different kinds of bullying, however Eddie's is more violent.

3. The relationships between August and his classmates at the start and the end have changed drastically. At the start of the year, he didn't have many friends. Now he has a group of good friends that protect him and support him. His classmates are used to his face by now and think of him as a normal kid now, which is what August would have wanted.

4. August has shown greatness by always trying to stay positive and not hurting people with his emotions during his time at school. Anytime people have been mean he has not been mean back. He has tried his best in all of his classes, getting top grades in Science and defying expectations. Another great thing August has done is do brave things he would have never imagined doing just a few months ago - things such as camp. 

5. At the start of the book, August was a shy, Star Wars fan who was insecure and isolated from the ordinary lives of middle schoolers. By the end, August broke out of his shell and now is interacting with ordinary kids and going to a normal school. Things that contributed to the change is that he is gaining better experience in a normal school than being home schooled, developing social skills, and getting better technology for his needs. He has also gotten a better understanding of Via's life, Daisy's life, Jack's life, and his parent's lives.

6. My favourite character in the story is Via. I empathise with her because I have younger siblings that I sometimes feel get more attention than me at points. She had an impact on the story by sharing her perspective on the Pullman family, her school life, and what people outside of the family think of August. She helped August deal with his school life and encourage him to face his fears, which I think impacted the story tremendously. I picked Via because I empathise with her and want to be like her. 

7. The story explores the themes: Friendship, Betrayal, Overcoming Challenges, Bullying, and Family Relationships. Create a Brainstorm web on what the story has told for each theme.

8. I think August's future holds a lot of social development, surgeries, and overall improvement on his health. He might go into a Science career because that it was he's passionate about.

VOCABULARY: Find the meanings of the following words.

Rappelled: Another word for abseil - to descend cliffs or rock faces assisted by ropes.
Concession: To grant something.
Brainiac: A very intelligent person.
Imbeciles: A person of stupidity.
Quantifiable: To have the ability to be expressed as a quantity of something.
Verbosity: Using more words than required.
Abolitionist: The movement to end slavery.

CREATE: Make a promotional, digital poster to encourage others to read Wonder. 

Wonder Novel Study Part Six ✨

Wonder Work | Pages 205-248

1. August doesn't like events that include parents because he will have to face people whose eyes are not used to his face, or don't know what is wrong with him. 

2. The change that is occurring is that people are being kind and being social with August. 6 months ago his classmates were scared to touch him or talk to him. 

3. August felt sad and embarrassed about getting hearing aids because he didn't want to stick out even more than he does. If he got hearing aids, people would notice them a lot more. I don't think his argument was justified because it is much more beneficial and important to get hearing aids rather than not. Better health and hearing senses is more essential than self-asteem. 

4. Via kept her part in the play a secret because she didn't want the school to find out about her deformed brother. She was afraid people would think of her differently. Via's mm said the play wasn't something August would be interested in because he would get bored. Plus, August doesn't like social events or being around parents.

5. It means that everyone across the world should be recognised for at least one of their talents and skills once. August might believe it because he wants to be recognised for his academic excellence in science and be seen as normal and superior, as he hasn't gotten that opportunity yet.

6. Daisy's death had a negative effect on the characters but got something positive out of the experience. The whole family was sad and crying about the death but it was the thing that brought them together again and made all the fights forgotten about. 

7. Miranda claimed sickness because she might have been effected by nerves or felt pressured by the fact August was there. He was a painful reminder of all of her struggles with him, Via, and camp. 

8. My perception on Miranda changed because she has been through many bad things in her life that she hasn't really mentioned in the story or told anyone. Camp was more than just a style change, she ended up telling a web of lies and being sucked in with the popular girls for it. At first I felt Miranda was a mean person that changed and didn't want to hang out with Via anymore, but then my opinion changed when I found out she had gone through bad things and she just didn't know how to deal with her feelings about Via, August, her family, and camp.

Can Do Tasks

CREATE: Create a Kahoot quiz that has at least 20 reorganisation questions about the story so far.
https://create.kahoot.it/details/wonder-quiz/02abacff-47f7-4c9e-a129-27af124e3398

VOCABULARY: Find the definitions of the following words: mayhem, taciturn, gazillion, sarcastic, hysterically and bittersweet.
Mayhem: A disorderly place or act - in chaos or wild uproar.
Taciturn: How a person is if they say very little.
Gazillion: A large quantity of something.
Sarcastic: To say something in an ironic, mocking manner. 
Hysterically: Uncontrolled emotions.
Bittersweet: Pleasure with thoughts of hurt or pain. 

Wonder Novel Study Part Five ✨

Wonder Work | Pages 158 - 204

1. Motivations for Julian's mum to Photoshop August out of the photo include having an aversion to August's facial deformities and what confusion and ugliness it will add to the image.

2. Mrs Albans' statement is unjustified, overestimated, and wrong, and I think that she overestimated August's condition or what she has heard about him. I don't think she was correct when she said it places too much of a burden on August's classmates because it is something August cannot change about himself and it is disrespectful towards him and Mrs Alban's opinion of his classmates. It's not a burden because they will need to see that there is more to people than what they look like on the outside.

3. I disagree with Mrs Albans' when she said August shouldn't have allowed in Beecher Prep. Besides from his face, he is a perfectly ordinary human with a high ability to learn and interact with others, and he should not be discriminated against for something he can't change or hide.

4. Jack handled the situation badly. He said he felt awful being alone because he thought everyone was watching and judging him. Jack was desperate to find a new friend group again and kept trying even when they dissed him. Instead of making things better and apologising to August or Julian, he tried to avoid the situation and I don't think that was the best thing to do. 

5. Justin was nervous meeting Olivia's parents because he was afraid that his tics would come out, which happens when he's stressed. I guess he didn't want to make a strange or bad impression on them. 

6. Justin greets the family in different ways because he has different reactions to all of them. When he meets August, he is surprised but wants to make sure that he doesn't show it. When Justin meets Olivia's parents, he is nervous because he doesn't want to reveal his tics. Even when he meets Daisy, his reaction is different - happy - because of the way the dog reacted to him, which he referred to as 'super sweet'.

7. I think it was bad thing for Justin to do because it makes Jack seem like he is too nervous to confront Julian and his friends by himself. It would be another thing for Julian to make fun of him for and could make Jack's social life even worse. Plus, if anything, Julian has double standards, like what August's mum said in the beginning. His reaction to Justin might be different to his reaction to Jake.

8. Via might feel that she is an awful person because of her bottled-up feelings for Miranda and her's relationship, and how she hasn't told Justin about it because when he confronted her about it, she got very upset. She isn't right though! If Via didn't want to tell Justin, that's fine and it should be respected, because there are some things better off unsaid.

9. Part Five is different for a number of reasons. Justin is not a member of the Pullman family and offers a different perspective on August's condition - a perspective others see -  as well as a different perspective on Via's life, in which he is the only character in the book to do so. An obvious reason is that Part Five is written in lower case lettering; something that might have to do with Justin's unique characteristics and personality.

Can Do Tasks!

MUSICAL: Justin and Via are celebrating Valentine's Day. Find a song they might listen to together to celebrate the holiday. Be sure to explain why it fits the occassion and their personalities.

I picked the song "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. I chose the song because one of the lines are "We were just kids when we fell in love". I think it relates to Olivia and Justin because they are, as the songs say, two kids who fell in love. It's also a genre I feel both of them will enjoy. 

CREATE: Create a display to raise awareness of forms of bullying with ways the victim can overcome these. Use your knowledge of the KIVA program. 

Wonder Novel Study Part Four ✨

Wonder Work | Pages 118-157 ✨

1. Summer's initial reaction to August face was that he had the weirdest looking face she'd ever seen, however she wanted to be friends with him because she wanted to. The result of this is that other kids judged her for doing so.

2. Summer's invited to Savannah's party because all the popular kids wanted to know why she hung out with August - or, as they call him, 'The Zombie Kid'. They disguised this by telling her Julian wanted to date her instead.

3. Summer starts a friendship with August because she felt a little sorry for him and what judgement he got for having such an abnormality. It's beneficial for both of them because August begins to make new friends with people, and Summer learns that August really isn't that bad - or scary - as he may seem. In a way, this could be the start of a new friend group for both of them.

4. The quote "Now here is my secret. It is very simple. It is with only one's heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is visible to the eye," means that it is what on the outside that is important, but what is on the inside is even more important. If you want to find out what's on the inside, you need to use your heart and feel emotions.

5. Jack was reluctant to take August on the tour because he knew who the kid was, and he knew how weird he looked. What made him say yes was that he felt bad about his little sibling running away from August. Jack knew that he wouldn't stand a chance in middle school against Julian. He changed his mind and I think that was brave decision to make.

6. I think that Jack feels pretty bad about him and August not being friends anymore, although he tries to ignore the feelings by saying he doesn't care. He said that he could tell August anything, he would laugh at his jokes, and he likes to hang out with rather than anyone else in the grade. 

7. Jack punched Julian in the face because of the rude, jerky things he had said about August's face, disease, and social status.

8. My opinion of Jack's character changed after reading his point of view drastically. Before reading I thought of Jack as a person with double standards because he would act nice to August but act the opposite around other people, such as Julian. After reading I learned that he's had encounters with August that he would have to be sorry for doing, and that he's struggling with his emotions surrounding August. He's not acting that way on purpose, he's just having a difficult time fitting in with others.

9. I think August would have been surprised but also a little happy that Jack punched Julian. It would be intimidating to know that he was the reason why but he would also be slightly proud or eager as Julian got a taste of his own medicine. I think it will have a good effect on Jack and August's relationship as it will prove that Jack is willing to make sacrifices for August. 

Wonder Can Do's ✨

CREATE: Using a visual planner like a Venn Diagram, examine the characters of Summer and Jack; how they are alike and different. (I used Piktochart to make this)

MUSICAL: Listen to Wonder, the theme song written for the Movie adaption of the book. How does the music emote the story when it uses no words?

The tempo of the music has a fast and upbeat pace at some points yet slow and emotional at others. 
The beginning of the music has an adventurous vibe and reminds me of a fun, happy environment. It then progresses to a more slow, steady rhythm as the violins enter, and this more reminds me of a sadder, emotional environment.

The music then starts to pick up the pace, getting gradually louder to build anticipation. The music then changes to a fun drum beat that makes me feel like it is an important, imaginative time. It reminds me of being around a campfire and everyone is having a good time, and the piano adds sincere emotion to the song. 
The end is very quiet and slow, and it reminds me of time slowed down, as if to capture good memories in the melody.
The instruments used are piano, violin, drum and organ. 

Wonder Novel Study Part Three ✨

Wonder Novel Study | Pages 81-117

1. This part is different because it is written from the perspective of August's older sister, Via. Her perspective is different as it reveals more about her own experience with August's condition and her relationship with her family. The parts don't match up as August and Via go to different schools, have different opinions, and have different experiences in life.

2. There are many challenges Via may face being August's sister. The most significant challenge may be the judgement she receives when out in public. Other challenges include comparison between her and her brother, and feeling left out when August gets more attention than her. 

3. She might be trying to say August is the sun because everything seems to revolve around him, much like the sun in the solar system. He is the centre of attention in this universe of life in Via's eyes.

4. I don't agree that it was a mistake to make August think he is normal to a certain extent. August will never look like other humans, and not every human will treat him normally due to this. There is no point in hiding something that August will have to spend the rest of his life facing. As long as August feels comfortable in his own skin and he feels loved and cared for, I don't see any justification for his family to hide August's abnormality. 

5. Via goes by Olivia at her school in order to keep her home life and school life separate. It might help her to cope with her stress and struggles. I think Via is finding high school hard so far. It says at first she was excited to have been accepted but now she is finding it very difficult from what she imagined. She has lost her two best friends which must be hard for her. 

6. The odds of Via having a child looking like August are 50/50 (or 50%), which is an even chance. There's no way in recieving a definite answer on whether the odds are good or not until she possibly has a child, but at this point I don't think there are terrible odds considering that they could be much worse. 

7. Miranda is a character that is clearly struggling with her friendship with Via, but she can be caring when she wants to be. Over summer vacation, she found new friends and changed a lot from her old personality, which Via is having difficulty comprehending. Miranda might also be hiding behind defensive feelings around her and Via's friendship: she did not admit her feelings of missing Via to her face, instead she did it over the phone. 

8. Via's character is very caring, thoughtful, but also hoards a lot of secrets that she has never admitted to anyone. She writes about how no one has really understood her emotions growing up, and now that she is in high school she is in need of someone to talk to. It is as if she balls up all of her feelings inside and is now just starting to let it all out. Behind her gentle, sensible character she is struggling to cope with starting high school, her friendship, and family.

9. I think that August is reluctant about having to go back to school because he will be confronted with the problems he will have difficulty to/doesn't want to solve. I think that when he goes back to school he will eventually have to come to the conclusion that it is better to sort out his problems and he will do so.

Can Do Tasks

ART: Draw a picture of August as he is described by Via, his sister. Discuss why you have added certain features, styles, or colours in your creation.

Via said that August has slanted, downward eyes about an inch lower than normal human faces. 

She said his nose was too big and his chin was too small, with skin like melted candlewax and jagged scars outlining his entire face.

I drew August with dark eyes and hair because that is how he is portrayed in the movie. I put ordinary clothes on him because I feel as if though he would want to blend in at school.

CREATE: Create a character web with August at the centre. Place the other characters around him, putting those who are important to him closer and of less significance further away. Include family, friends, classmates, etc.

Wonder Novel Study Part Two ✨

Wonder Pages 41-80

1. Star Wars may be one of August's passions because the characters are seen as "freaks" or people that are not expected to do well, but do amazing things. I think he could also relate to Boba Fett because although the character has a deformed face, he can still do amazing things for the galaxy, and I think this is something August can learn from and aspire to be. 

2. Julian asked inappropriate questions including, "What's the deal with your face?", "Were you in a fire or something?" and, "Teachers came to your house?". I think Julian asked the questions because he was confused about August's abnormalities and he wasn't explaining them.

3. I agree with this precept because it a good motto to have in life. No matter how you feel, kindness always wins, and it will get you places rather than being unkind and mean. If you are mean to someone it could stop you from doing things in the future. 

4. I think August was getting frustrated because his Mum was being needy and nosy into what happened while walking home - she was asking too many questions he was reluctant to answer.

5. I don't think a lot of kids came to his party because they were scared or afraid to be around him. August said that no one wanted to touch him and being at a birthday party would go against that "rule". 

6. Aversion means to have a strong dislike against something. That means in August's case, he hates having his photo taken. This might be because he doesn't like the way his face looks and he doesn't want a photo as a reminder.

7. They don't want to touch August because they have a fear that he is "contagious" and they might catch a face-deformity like what August has.

8. My opinion on Jack changed because even if what he said was untrue, he is still willing to say it behind August's back to seem cool. He isn't that great of a guy if he is willing to do so.

9. I think August will go back to school, even if it's hard for him. I think he will have a hard time fitting in again and talking to Jack, and need someone to talk to.

Can Do Tasks

Find the meanings of the following words:

Contagious: Something able to be transmitted via contact with an object or person that has been contaminated. Examples: The flu can be spread if infected people touch objects or cough in the air, spreading germs.

Exception: Being excluded or separated, from something. Example: being kicked out of a group project.

Recital: A show representing dancing and performing. Examples: ballet recital, dance recital.

Aversion: Having a dislike or hate against a person or thing. Example: being scared of aeroplanes, or not liking your homophobic family member.

Mortality: Having the possibility of death. Immortal, which is the opposite, means death is not possible for the person. Example: Everyone is mortal because we all die one day.

Wonder Novel Study Part One 🌟

Wonder Novel Study | Pages 11-43

1. The wish August wanted was to have a normal face that no one would ever notice anything wrong with.

2. What it means to be ordinary is to go to school, look like an average human, and to have friends and family. August is extraordinary because of the features and genes that define his face, to not have been public schooled for the first years of his life, and be exceptionally good at his schoolwork, particularly science.

3. When seeing August's face for the first time, people react in a way that can be described as a 'grimace' or confusion. They often point and whisper to each other, in confusion, amusement or sympathy to the distorted facial features August has. If I ever saw August in real life, I would be curious as to what genetic mutation caused his face to look like that. I would also feel sympathetic because it must be hard to face society looking different from everybody else.

4. What the father meant was that he did not think August would have a good or enjoyable time at school. Much like a lamb being sent off to be killed, the Dad did not have much hope it would go well for August at school.

5. In my opinion, if I was the mother of August, I would send him to school. Although his genes are rare, there are many people living across the globe that have to live in society with unique facial features. August is just one of these many and I don't think hiding from people's reactions will be better than being home schooled his whole life. It will be a better opportunity for August to meet new people, learn to know himself more, and feel better about himself without having to hide away.

6. The white lie August's mother told was that a woman who visited their house in the recent months was actually taking a test needed for August to be accepted into his new school. 

She instead had told him that it was an IQ test because she did not to raise suspicion. 

White lies can be okay to tell at certain points, but if it puts someone or their reputation, job, family or relationships at stake, it is not a good idea to do so. 

7. Mrs. Garcia's shiny smile is what August could describe as a fake smile - a smile put on to hide the fact she was frightened, confused, or amused by August's face, and to make sure he didn't suspect anything. 

8. Julian bullies August through a number of sarcastic questions that may not sound mean to other people, but actually hurt August's feelings a lot. Julian asked questions that were inappropriate and made August feel intimidated, nervous, and sad. He cut in front of August, resulting in sending him stumbling backwards. 

                   

What is the learning outcome?

To create and choose your own precept, explain what it means and create a digital display that you can promote to others.
To research the words and learn their meanings.

What learning process have you been using?

As this is a 'Can Do' task I used Google Slides. I have a lot of experience with this and it is easy to embed onto blog posts like this. 
I used an online dictionary on Google.

What worked, what didn't, and what would you change?

What worked is that I really love the way it turned out. My colour palette was inspired by the Wonder website, but I came up with the idea of twinkly white text. I really think the colours complement and contrast each other to make it eye catching. 

What didn't work is that it was difficult to find the right colour match. At first it was a little too dark, then it was a little too light, and eventually I had to take a screenshot from the website and apply it as the background. 

What I would change is I would add a few more details to have something for readers to look at apart from text. Some ideas I had were the Wonder Logo or link to the website. 

What worked was that it was easy to find the word without flipping through an actual dictionary. What didn't was that it was very difficult to put 'mortality' into my own words. What I would change is that I would add pictures to demonstrate what the words mean.