Friday, February 10, 2017


Part 1:  August

If Maisie (or August) was your classmate, what could you do to make them feel more comfortable on their first day of school?


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130 comments:

  1. If Maisie or August were my classmate, then I would first start out by asking them what is their name, and greeting them with a warm and welcoming hello. Then, I would continue asking them questions about themselves, so then I would get to know them. Chances are I might just have something in common with them. Most importantly, I would make sure that I am a friend to them. To make them feel more comfortable, I could hang out with them at lunch and recess. I could give them a tour of the school, so then they would know how to get to their classes. By standing up for them when someone decides to be mean, might make them feel more comfortable because they would feel that someone has their back. I would make sure to make Maisie or August feel more comfortable on their first day of school.

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    1. I agree completely. I also like how you would emphasize common interests as people are comfortable talking about things they know.

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    2. I like the idea of welcoming them by asking them questions about themselves. I think that would definitely make them feel more comfortable on the inside.

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    3. I like the idea of making sure that Maisie or August always has someone that has their back, so they can always have someone they can look up to and follow.

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    4. I agree how you would try to find common interests and make them feel comfortable.

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    5. I like your idea of standing up to bullies and I agree with finding common interests, like Ava and Rajveer mentioned. I also like the idea of getting to know them personally.

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    6. I like how you said you will always have their back, since Maisie (or August) will know that they have someone to count on, like Derek said.

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    7. I agree with Elizabeth but, if I were in a class with Maisie, I am not going to lie, it would be hard not to be rude. I would try my best with being friendly, by standing up for her if she was being bullied or welcome her warmly, like Elizabeth would do.

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    8. I agree on the idea of asking them questions about themselves, so then I would get to know them.

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    9. I love how you said that chances are you would have something in common with August or Maisie even though you know they are different. :)

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  2. If Maisie or August were my classmate for their fist day, I would start out with a bright hello and ask for their name. After that, I would tell them our schedule, the layout of our school, and the basic rules. I would emphasize on the rules especially because I don't ever want to Maisie or August get in trouble. I also would show where everything is, so they won't be late to class by getting lost. Then, I would tell a little about myself and try to get know them a little better because we never know what we might have in common with other people. Furthermore, I could invite them to wherever I usually sit at so other people can get to know them more. I also can allow them to join whatever we play that day during recess. When people try to tease them about how they look, I will always stand up for them no matter who it is. Doing all of this will probably convince Maisie or August that they will have a wonderful school year and that they will always have a friend.

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    1. I especially like how you would sit with them during lunch, as we already know from Wonder that lunch can be hard for new students. We both know that because we were new students at one time as well.

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    2. I like the idea of emphasizing the rules. Because of either Masie's or August's facial disorders, they may get picked on more if they break a rule.

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    3. I like the idea of you sitting where you usually sit, just with August or Maisie. Doing so, that could give them the opportunity to make more friends.

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    4. I agree with emphasizing the rules as well. If August or Maisie were to get into trouble they would get attention from just about everyone in the class. That would lead to more people noticing their faces, looking, staring, and ultimately lead to bullying. Derek, you spelled first wrong in the first sentence.

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    5. I like the idea of emphasizing the rules so they never get in trouble and showing them around so they do not get lost.

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    6. I like that you would play whatever you would play at recess just with August or Maisie.

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    7. I like the idea of how you would tell them their schedule, so then they would know when to go to their certain classes and where

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    8. I like how you would be a buddy to them and tell them the layout of our school.

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    9. I like how you'd look out for them and show them around instead of doing what a lot of people would do and think something like "Okay, well I've done my good deed today by being nice to him or her, so I never have to talk to them again."

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    10. I like how you would tell them our schedule and make sure they don't forget or get lost. :)

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    11. I like how you would be an upstander for them. Bullying may not happen at our school, but it could happen at any other school, and being an upstander for them is very kind.

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    12. I like how you would share the rules and the schedule with Maisie, because like Sachin said getting in trouble would draw unwanted attention. You could also tell her who is popular and who is mean.

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  3. If Maisie or August were my classmate, there would be many things I could and would do to make them more comfortable. First off, I would greet them and try to make it as if I was talking to any of my other friends. I would do that because they wouldn't feel like they were being judged or they were awkward to be around. I would then proceed as if I was talking to any other new student. I would show them around the class, and tell them our classes. I would then go to class with them, talk to them, and play with them. I would get some of my other friends to do his as well. If someone were to bully, harass them etc. I would stand up to them and tell the bully that they are the same people as everyone else and that they have feelings too. We would eventually become friends, and we would share interests. Due to sitting with the rest of my friends Maisie or August would get more friends and would ease into our school Due to this simple kindness they would be greatly helped as they would have any friends that look past his/her face and see the person inside.

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    1. I especially like your last sentence where we have to look beyond what we see.

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    2. I like the idea of letting he/she hang out with you and your friends. I think that it may give he/she more confidence, and also allow them to expand their group of friends.

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    3. I like how you would get your friends to play with August and Maisie too. That would give them more friends besides you.

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    4. I think that making them fell ordinary is a great approach. I also like your closing sentence, it is a good way to sum up your paragraph.

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    5. I like the idea of how you would treat them as if they were any other ordinary friend. I think that would make them feel comfortable. I also like how you would stand up for them. I also really like your closing sentence.

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    6. I love your bold, powerful last sentence.

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    7. I like how you would make sure your friends would play and were introduced to August or Maisie.

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  4. Alyssa
    If Masie or Auggie had come to my school as a new student, the first thing that I would do to help them feel more comfortable is to treat them normally. The reason why I think that is a good idea is because either one of them, Masie or Auggie, is going to be expecting to be stared at and maybe even laughed at, so if you treat them normally then they will feel more comfortable. The next thing I would do is to invite them to sit next to me at lunch and also in class. They also may need someone to show them around the school if they were a new student. I would also try to see if we had anything in common with each other and we could then create conversation about a topic that we both share interest in. He/she may get bullied, so I would need to be prepared to help he/she get through all of that. I would know that eventually some people may warm up to the idea that either Masie or Auggie has normal feelings and are normal people on the inside. By the time everyone is used to his/her face, news may spread to people about how the person is on the inside. If the person is nice, then he/she may make more friends. I believe that there are a lot of good people on this earth who will see past what is on the outside, and will focus more on the inside.

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    1. I like how you would treat them normally, so they would not feel like they need extra help because they look different.

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    2. I like how you said there are a lot of good people in this world to focus more on the inside of people, rather than on the outside; that is very true. I think your last sentence sums up your paragraph well.

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    3. I like your idea of sitting next to them in lunch and class, and not just go off with your own friends. You are right in the final sentence. People will not all people are mean and will only look on the outside.

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    4. I agree with what you said that there are a lot of good people on this earth who will see past what is on the outside, and will focus more on the inside.

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    5. I love how you explained why you would make them feel welcome on their first day instead of just writing I would make them feel welcome at their new school! :)

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  5. If Maisie or August were new students in my class, I could do many things to make them feel comfortable. First, I would greet them with a nice and warm hello, and I would ask them for their names. After that, I would try to get to know them and see if we share any common interests. Next, I would help them get to classes if they did not know where to go, so they wouldn’t get lost. At lunch, I would sit with them, and I would talk about the common interests we might have shared. I would also invite them to play with my friends and me at recess. If they were to get bullied or teased, I would stand up to the bully and explain to them that August and Maisie cannot control the disorder that they have, so they shouldn’t be troubled because of it. Knowing me, I would eventually ask them how they got their disorder, but I would only do that politely and when they feel comfortable doing so. I feel that everybody deserves a chance to live a normal life, and the first day of school would be August and Maisie’s chance. If they mess it up, meaning they weren’t nice and they treated people in a bad manner, then I wouldn’t hang out with them anymore—as would many others. I do not think August and Maisie would blow that chance, so I would hang out with them for many other days to come.

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    1. I like how you would stand up to bullies and tell them that they can't control their disorder. I also like how you wouldn't let them blow their chance to have a normal life.

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    2. I like how you would not hang out with them if they are mean, because they cannot live their lives having fake friends that just try to make them feel better.

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    3. I like how you admitted that you would ask them about their disorder.

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    4. I like how you said that they can't control their disorder and that everyone has a chance to live a normal life. I also liked how you would admit that you would eventually ask how they got their disorder because most people think it's very disrespectful to ask such questions.

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    5. I like how you said everything you would do to make them feel comfortable at their first day at their new school.

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    6. I like how you'd try to find common interests, since it provides a safe topic of conversation, and that way there's always something to fall back on to save you both from feeling uncomfortable. It also seems like a good idea because it would show them you weren't just there to pity them, but that you were a real friend that they could always talk to.

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    7. I like how you said you said "Auggie or Maisie can not control their disorder."

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  6. If Maisie or August were my classmate, on the first day of school I would do many things to make them feel as comfortable as possible. The first thing I would do is greet them with a hello and a big smile, and I wouldn’t stare at their face. After I greeted them I would ask them questions such as, how was your morning, what is your name, are you excited to go to school and other questions like that. I would try to build a bond with them and form trust. Throughout the day I would sit next to them in classes that we had together and I would also check in with them in the halls. So they could meet more people,I would introduce Maisie and August to my group of friends and introduce them to Cameron’s group of friends, so August can meet some boys he could possibly be friends with. At lunch, I would sit next to them and show them how to go through the line and get food and drinks. Sitting at the table, I would ask him about his summer and his family and tell him a little about myself. Overall, I would try to become their friend and not hang out with him just to be a tour guide. After lunch, I would invite them to hang out with me at recess and do whatever they would like to do not what I would like to do. We would probably share the same interests so it would not be a problem doing what they would like to do. At the end of the day I would say bye to them and look forward to seeing them again the next day. I would try to make them as comfortable as possible because I know it is nerve wracking coming to a new school and with their disorder it is so much harder. All they need is that first friend to make them feel comfortable and they will make many more. If somebody bullied them I would stand up for them and make sure they are ok because I know I would want someone to do that for me. I would treat them like the normal kids that they are and I would look out for them with bullies. I would hope that my actions will help Maisie and August enjoy school and blend in with everyone else a little better.

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    1. I like how you have a lot of empathy for Maisie/August and express it well in your paragraph.

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    2. I know you didn't directly say this, but I like how you referenced the Golden Rule.

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    3. I totally agree how you wouldn't stare at their face and greet them with a big smile.

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    4. I really like how you said that you wouldn't stare at the face because that can make Maisie's or August's day feel very uncomfortable. I also liked that you would pretend you were in the same shoes as them.

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    5. I like how you share about being in a situation of bullying and how you will be the up stander.

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    6. I love how you said you wouldn't stare and that you would be an upstander when you see them getting bullied or someone's talking about how they look.

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  7. I totally agree. I really liked how you summed it up in the end and how you would introduce them to Cameron's group of friends too

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  8. If Maisie (or August) was a new student at my school, I know that she will be scorned, gaped at, and secluded. Having Maisie as my classmate, the first thing that I would do is go and give her a welcoming smile and greeting. I would enlighten her all about the school and the location of her classes, so she won’t go astray. Then, when the time for lunch and recess comes about, I would go and sit with her as she will most likely feel forlorn. At the end of the school day, I would ask Maisie if she felt comfortable during her first day of school. Also, despite all these things that I would do for Maisie, the most important thing is that I would be an amiable and compassionate friend to her, for that is what she would need the most.

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    1. I like how you would make sure she felt comfortable at school.

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    2. I like the fact that you would smile at them, and give them a welcoming greeting. I am sure that that would make them feel comfortable.

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    3. I love how you have amazing vocabulary in your paragraph. It makes it seem like you are typing a college paragraph.

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    4. I agree with Lizzy and Mischa that making them feel comfortable and ordinary would be a great thing to do.

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    5. I like your bold vocabulary.

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    6. I agree with Shiraz, you have an amazing vocabulary.

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  9. If August or Maisie were to be my classmate, I would try to make them feel ordinary. I would start by asking them questions such as, are you excited for the first day of school, or how are you. I would give them a regular tour of the school and tell them all the rules. I would sit with them in all our classes and other activities such as assembly, gym, lunch, and recess. I would ask them normal questions, like when is your birthday, do you have any siblings, do you have any pets, where were you born, and what is you're hobby. I would introduce them to all my friends. I would also introduce them to friends from the opposite gender. This would give them friends even when I am not around. I would invite them to activities beside of school. This would include sleepovers and playdates. If somebody bullied them or made fun of them in any way they didn't like, I would stand up for them. I would do this by telling them that they can't control the way their face looks. I would also try to get them a sense of empathy. I hope people won't judge Maisie and August by the way they look, but by what is inside of their hearts.

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    1. I like how you would try your best to make them seem like they are a normal and ordinary.

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  10. If Maisie or August were my classmate, the first thing that I would do is to greet them nicely and put on a big smile. Since it is their first day of school, I would make sure to be around them throughout the day. Then I would show them our classes, and what we are learning about in each class. While I'm doing that, I would give them a tour along with it so that they can get around with ease. I would ask some questions for them like, what they enjoy doing, what their favorite food is, or if they have any pets. And I would also share some things about myself as well. I would invite them to sit and play with me and my friends during lunch and recess. If anyone were to bully them, I would stand up for them. Because it matters what they are like on the inside and not what they look like on the outside. Most importantly, I want to make sure I am a friend to them.

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    1. I like the idea of showing them around the school.

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    2. I Ike how you said you would tell them what you are learning about in each class.

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  11. Jansen
    If August (or Maisie) were my classmates I would know that some people would look at him. I would try my best to make him feel comfortable and welcome. I would sit next to him during lunch or even class. I could also hang out with him during recess and sometimes after school. I would try my best to be with him and help him. I could help him get around the school and while I am doing this I could ask him questions like what he likes to do and what his favorite subject is. I would enjoy to have August in my class and that would be a great.

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    1. I like how you said you would enjoy having August in your class. It makes you think that you don't care about how they look at all.

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    2. I like how expressed that you didn't care about how August or Maisie looked like, but you just cared about how they feel and that you would include them.

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    3. I like how you would act casual toward them.

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    4. I like how you said you would do your best to make them feel comfortable and welcome on their first day at their new school.

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  12. If Maisie or August was a new student at my school, I would be their friend and think of them as a normal human. At first I wouldn’t be sure about them but then I would put myself into their shoes and think of what it would be like to be them. Then I would go up to them and smile at them and introduce myself and ask what their names were. I would not was him or her to leave the school based on how people were treating them so, I would not stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable. I would talk to them and distract them from whatever else might be going on behind their backs. I would make an effort to sit with them during class and at lunch. Then later that day I would tell my friend that they are normal people and they are fun to be around. Hopefully my friends would make an effort to be their friend also. The more friends they make at the new school the more they would want to stay their. I think that after a while I would forget they were different and treat them as if nothing was different. It would just take a little getting used to.

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    1. Putting yourself in their shoes is a really good idea because then you can see and help them with whatever's bothering them

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    2. I love how you said you would make sure to talk to them to distract them from whatever else is going on behind their back and that you would treat them as a normal human and introduce your self with a smile. :)

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    3. I like how you'd think to put yourself in their shoes, because that way you'd get a better idea of what would be bothering them, whether it's bullying, or something as simple as needing someone to talk to.

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    4. Mischa- I appreciate you noting the fact that 'at first you wouldn't be sure about them.' That's a very honest statement. For sure, friendship has a ripple effect.

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  13. If Maisie were my classmate, I think I would be scared at first, but I would come to my senses and realize that she is a real person. I would go up to her politely and greet her with a big welcoming smile and introduce myself. I would try my best to be a great friend to her. Of course, there's always those certain people who use them to there advantage by making fun of them to make themselves feel better. Maisie is probably a very nice and likable person. Sometimes there are people out there that will destroy my feelings by mistreating people like Maisie. Those people are what make me want to stand up for people like Maisie who may not appear very appealing on the outside, but are some of the most kind people on the inside. It hurts me to see this kind of dishonorable behavior toward people like Maisie. So when I witness these acts of discrimination, I stand up for these people. I personally think these bullies should be ashamed of themselves. That's why I would the most caring friend I could possibly be to Maisie.

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    1. I agree with your first statement of being scared and uncomfortable at first.

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    2. I like how you would stand up for them if they were ever be bullied , and how you would try your best to be a great friend of theirs.

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    3. I think that I would be scared and unconfortable at first to.

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  14. If Maisie or August were a new student at my school, I would not know what to do at first. After a day or two of them being bullied or ignored at my school, I would try to make them feel welcomed by sitting with them during classes or at lunch, say hello often, or talk about topics they like such as Star Wars. I would also try to introduce them to my other friends. If my other friends did not talk with him or her, I would talk to them and try to tell them that the new student is the same on the inside. I would find out what his or her favorite recess activity is and play it with them. I would rarely talk about his or her's disorder. I think that it would be hard to get used to this new student, but I would get to know him or her better and become better friends.

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    1. I like how you mentioned what you might talk about with Auggie or Maisie.

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    2. I like how you would introduce them to your friends so they could make more friends and be more comfortable at their new school.

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    3. I like how you said you would introduce them to your friends.

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    4. I like how you wouldn't talk about their disorders with them, because it could seem very rude to them.

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    5. I appreciate your honesty regarding waiting a day or two to see what happened.

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  15. If Maisie or August were my classmates I would try and make them have a wonderful first day. First impressions are the last impressions, so if they like school the first day they will probably enjoy most of the year. Firstly I would make sure I won’t stare at them if they ever passed me or look at the ground. I would make a normal face and tell them hi. Then I would ask them what is their name and start a conversation. I would make sure that I don’t stare directly at their face in a weird way or try to end the conversation rudely. I would also try and make them feel special by giving them compliments. Everyone becomes happier if you give them complements. Then I would say, “bye, nice to meet you.” If they were in any of my classes I would invite them to sit with me. For the first day of lunch I would try to sit next to them or invite them to sit with my friends and me. I would also try to make them laugh. I would also tell them they have good humor or something along those lines. Then at the end of the day I would tell them to have a nice day. I think that would be enough for them to have an amazing day. It is hard, but if everyone looked past ones looks and looked at their personality we would have an amazing society.

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    1. I like how you would try to make a really good first impression so they can think that the school is a happy place, you're right, they are really important.

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    2. I like how you said that first impressions are last impressions because they are when it comes to making a friend.

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    3. I like how you added what your would do to make them seem more comfortable at their new school.

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    4. I like how you would give them compliments to make them feel special.

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    5. I like how you said you wanted to make a first strong impression because I think that is what they will think of when they think of you.

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  16. If Maisie or August was my classmate I would just treat her like every other new student. I'd show her around, let her observe her new surroundings, sit with her at lunch, etc. Knowing she would be stared at and shunned, I would also in a way look out for her, making sure she wasn't teased or bullied. I was once bullied when I was younger due to a disability and it definitely does not feel good. I would make sure that it would never happen as long as I was around. If Maisie and I were in a class, since she has a hearing problem, if she had any trouble I could repeat instructions from the teacher multiple times and make sure she understood what she was supposed to be doing and also what the rest of the class is doing. Although you can't force people to be friends, I would also try to acquaint her with other people as well, people that I know would treat her fairly and would be nice to her. It must not be at all easy going to school with her condition and so if she were ever nervous, I could ease her nervousness by getting her to talk about herself a little bit. For example, I could ask her what hobbies do you have? Or since she can read, I could ask her what are your favorite books? Little questions like those could help her gain confidence and be more relaxed and not have to worry as much about whatever was troubling her. Sometimes however, the best way would be just talking about it. Asking her how she felt and what was troubling her and then giving a solution is a good way to relax. Above all, would try to get people to see her the way they see everyone else and that it really doesn't matter what face you have or what you look like. The only thing that does really matter is what kind of person she is on the inside, what her character is. She is just an ordinary, happy, playful child, just like us. Despite her hearing problems, she can do everything we can do. The thing that bullies and other people don't seem to recognize is that beauty lies within. If people could see her the way they saw their friends and others, she would be perfectly happy and comfortable.

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    1. It is true that beauty lies within because it is not what is on the outside, it is what is on the inside.

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    2. Kylie, I like your suggestion of speaking directly to Maisie (or August) about how they feel about their difference-those kind of questions reflect your interest in really knowing who Maisie (or August) is on the 'inside,'it shows you truly care.

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  17. If August were in my class, I would treat them like a everyday, normal, average person. Say "Hello", "Hey", and just talk to them. Also, I wouldn't stare, that would make them uncomfortable. I would try to start conversations or give them a nice smile. If they were alone, of course I would sit with them! Lunch too. Lunch is the "talk-time" of the day, and where most people judge others. Auggie would probably be sitting alone, or with very few people. I would try to sit with them as much as possible. If he was ever feeling sad I would try to comfort him. Its very hard for someone to live a life being different. I believe you should always be the one to start something, maybe, just maybe, others will follow your idea. <3

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    1. I like how you would act as if they were someone who appeared to be just like you, and not judge how different August or Maisie is compared to you or other kids.

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    2. I love how you would act as it's just your average new person and that if you ever saw them sitting alone you would go out of your seat to sit with them.

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    3. Laney-what an interesting comment: "lunch time is the "talk time" of day where people often do judge others. Why do you think that is?

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  18. If Maisie and August were new students in my class, I would welcome them just like any other kid. I would smile, not stare and I would talk to them about what interests them to see if we have anything in common. When class ends, I would walk with them to our next class. I would sit with them during lunch so they won’t have to sit alone. I would show them the way through lunch and how everything works. During recess, I would invite them to play a game with the group. I would introduce them to my friends so they can meet more people. I want to make sure that Maisie and August feel comfortable and warmly welcomed to our school. If there were any kids that would bully them, I would stand up to them and say that even though someone may look different or talk different, they are still a person and that they should be ashamed of themselves for thinking that bullying is right because it’s not. At the end of the day, I would say good bye and be excited to see them again tomorrow. I would hope that Maisie and August enjoy their many days at school and that they know that they have a friend in me.

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    1. Inviting them to play a game with you is a good idea because it would help her fit in better.

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    2. I like how you would include Maisie or August in a game and stand up for them when someone is bullying them.

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    3. I love how you would sit with them at lunch even though you would want to sit with your friends. :)

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  19. If Maisie or August was my classmate I would just treat her like every other new student. I'd show her around, let her observe her new surroundings, sit with her at lunch, etc. Knowing she would be stared at and shunned, I would also in a way look out for her, making sure she wasn't teased or bullied. I was once bullied when I was younger due to a disability and it definitely does not feel good. I would make sure that it would never happen as long as I was around. If Maisie and I were in a class, since she has a hearing problem, if she had any trouble I could repeat instructions from the teacher multiple times and make sure she understood what she was supposed to be doing and also what the rest of the class is doing. Although you can't force people to be friends, I would also try to acquaint her with other people as well, people that I know would treat her fairly and would be nice to her. It must not be at all easy going to school with her condition and so if she were ever nervous, I could ease her nervousness by getting her to talk about herself a little bit. For example, I could ask her what hobbies do you have? Or since she can read, I could ask her what are your favorite books? Little questions like those could help her gain confidence and be more relaxed and not have to worry as much about whatever was troubling her. Sometimes however, the best way would be just talking about it. Asking her how she felt and what was troubling her and then giving a solution is a good way to relax. Above all, would try to get people to see her the way they see everyone else and that it really doesn't matter what face you have or what you look like. The only thing that does really matter is what kind of person she is on the inside, what her character is. She is just an ordinary, happy, playful child, just like us. Despite her hearing problems, she can do everything we can do. The thing that bullies and other people don't seem to recognize is that beauty lies within. If people could see her the way they saw their friends and others, she would be perfectly happy and comfortable.

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    1. I love how you include them in everything you do throughout the day.

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    2. I like how you would show them around to make sure they knew where everything is.

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    3. I like how you would repeat the instructions that the teacher had already said so she could understand them.

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  20. If Maisie or August were in my class on the first day of school, I would try to comfort them so they wouldn’t feel left out. It would take a lot of courage for someone like Maisie or August to come to a brand new school with different facial features than everyone else and start learning new things with kids he or she has never seen before. At first I would be a little nervous to come over and talk to August or Maisie, but maybe after something happened to them or someone was teasing them, I would stand up for them and tell the person who was bullying them not say mean things to them or tease them for how they look. I would try to be very kind to August and Maisie and help them out so they would be included and not left out. On the first day of lunch, I would try to invite them over to my table so they wouldn’t feel excluded. I would try to act normal towards them and not stare at their face. I would treat them like they were an everyday ordinary human being.

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    1. I like how you admitted you would be nervous at first but you would still be very kind to August (or Maisie).

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    2. I would stand up to the person bulling her and try to make her fell better, just like you say.

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    3. Alex C.
      I like how you were honest about the fact that you would be scared at first but you would still help them out.

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  21. If Maisie (or August) came to my school and were in my class. the first thing I would do is ask Maisie (or August) if they would like to sit by me. I would help them get everything ready for their first class and get all their books labeled. Once the bell rang I would show them where to go and tell them they could still sit by me if they would like. I would help explain to them about what we were learning, and if we had a quiz or test coming soon I would study with Maisie (or August) and make sure they understanded the concept we were learning about. At recess, if they didn't have anyone to play with I would ask if they wanted to play with me, if they said no I would sit and talk with them until recess ended. In between classes I would help get their books ready as well as mine for the next class. I would find out their interests and see if we have the same or if someone else in our class has the same interests. If someone else had the same interests as them I would make sure they would get to talk to that person before the first day of school ended. I would show the, all the classrooms and which room had which class or classes. I would ask what their favorite and easiest classes were, and I would see if we had the same favorite and easiest classes. Before every class I would make sure the teachers knows him and he might take some extra time to process what we are learning. I would find out what their favorite sport is and I would make sure to tell that to my P.E. teacher. At lunch, I would sit with them and talk about if they have went to school before and if they had where did they go? Also, I would ask if they have a sibling. If they do I would ask if their sibling is their sister or their brother and are they younger or older than they are? If I saw someone being mean or unkind to them or in front of their faces, I would politely but seriously say, everyone is different and special in their own way it takes a true person to accept the way people are on the inside and not always the outside and if they can't understand that then they should stop being mean to people they haven't given a chance to get to know them yet. Sometimes people are really nice and sweet but you just have to get to know them to see that. If they are comfortable with talking about the way they look, and ONLY if they were comfortable about the way they look I would ask about how many surgeries they have had and has your parents or sibling ever missed out on one and why? After school I would make sure they got to know many people that everyone was nice, and they enjoyed their day at school. I would walk them to where they go after school (if they walked home I would walk them to the door). Before they leave I would make sure they had an amazing first day at school. To be honest it would be hard to have a kid in my class that's not like everyone else but I still would be kind and make sure they loved the new school and teachers and that they made new friends.

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    1. First of, nice answer, I can see that this took a very long time. But don't you think that it would be a little awkward if you just started doing everything for them out of the blue?

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  22. If Maisie or August went to school with me I would walk up to them and say, "Hi I'm Cameron, whats your name." I would try to act casual, like they were a normal person. If they need help to find their next class I would help them. I would try to be a friend to them. If they were alone at recess I would ask them if they wanted to do what I was doing. I would try to make them feel comfortable. I would talk to them when I got the chance. I would make them feel like a normal kid going to school. If other people were staring at them I would try to start talking to them and divert their attention. If Maisie or August was my classmate I would try to make them feel like a normal kid.

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    1. I like how you would introduce yourself and how you would act like Maisie or August is a normal person.

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    2. I like how you would immedeatly be nice to them.

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  23. If I saw someone like Maisie or August on the first day of school, I would treat them nicely, but I would be careful not to make it seem like I was being nice to him or her only because of the way they look. So, for instance, I would sit next to them in class, and I would act as though they look just like any other human being, because, in their point of view, they are like any other kid their age. I would be careful to maintain eye contact when speaking to them, because August could see even the slightest glance away, change in facial expression, or hesitation in a person's voice. At lunch, I would hope to sit with some people I already know, so if he or she was alone, I would most likely not be brave enough to go sit with them by myself. If I had a few friends with me, I would do it without second thoughts. So, I would treat them like any other person, but their facial features might take some getting used to.

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    1. I love how when you would do something, you would make sure it didn't seem like you were doing it just to make August or Maisie happy because of the way they look :)

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  24. If Maisie(or August) were to come to our school at first I would look at and try and get used to their face. If I can do that I will go up to them and say a welcoming hello and spark a conversation. If I can I would sit next to him/her at lunch along with my other friends. I would find out what he/she likes. If we have we have any common interests I will talk about those to him/her and even say some jokes.during our academic classes I will try to guide him/her through the school. I would treat him/her like I do to everyone else; with high respect. Though it would take some time to get used to his/her face we would become quick friends.

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    1. I like the part where you said you would treat them with high respect.

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    2. I agree with you when you said you would try to get use to looking at their face because it would be reallly hard not to stare all the time and make them feel uncomfortable on their first day.

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    3. I like how you are trying to treat him like everyone else.

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  25. If Maisie or August were one of my classmates, I would greet them with a friendly hello when they walk in the classroom. I would treat them as nicely as I treat any of my other friends to make them feel welcomed in the new school. I would ask them if they would want to sit next to me during our homeroom and all the other classes. I would try to make sure that they do not get bullied in any way so they have a wonderful experience. I would ask them questions to learn more about them and see what we may have in common. I would have a conversation about anything I would think they would want to know about for example they favorite academic subject and their favorite sport. During lunch, I would show them how to get into the lines with all the other classmates and get a tray for food. I would also show them where the class tables are and where to put the trays after eating. After that I would show them all the classes they may not have while giving them the tour of the school along with providing them with all the important information about school. I would also introduce them to all the teachers and show them which way to go when school ends. I would try to be as helpful as possible to make sure they are comfortable on their first day of school.

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    1. I like how you would be as helpful as you could to make them feel comfortable on their first day of school.

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  26. If Maisie or August were my classmates, I think the main thing is to make them feel normal. August repeatedly says at the beginning of the book that he sees himself as normal and wants to be treated that way. I would try to act as regular as possible and not just completely try to buddy buddy with them because they might think that the only reason that you are friends with them is out of pity because of the way their face
    is. I am also not saying to completely ignore them and if we had common interests I would for sure be friends with them. My point is that the best way to make them feel comfortable is to treat the equally to how you would treat others

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  27. If August or Maisie were at school for the first time ever there are many ways I could comfort them. I would start off by just getting to know them, show them around, and tell them about all the kids at school and what we do. As the days go on I would get used to the way they look and be their friend. I would try though to introduce myself to them in a nice calm way I would not stare or cringe just walk subtle. Protect them from a bully. That is how I would try to comfort them if it was their very first day at my school.

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  28. If Maisie or August were my classmates, I would try to provide them with an amazing first day

    of school. Assuming they are now my classmates, August or Maisie would be treated as

    ordinary students, so they would not feel uncomfortable. I would start by asking them questions

    such as, are you excited for the first day of school, or how are you. I would then give them a

    regular tour of the school and tell them all the school rules. Sitting with them in of our classes,

    and other activities such as assembly, gym, lunch, and recess is important. Asking questions

    such as when is your birthday, do you have any siblings, do you have any pets, where were you

    born, and what is your hobby will also be a way of having them feel comfortable. Introducing

    Maisie and August to all my friends, I’m sure would make them happy. I would also introduce

    them to friends of the opposite gender. This would give them friends even when I am not around.

    I would invite them to activities beside school. This would include sleepovers and playdates. If

    somebody bullied them or made fun of them in any way they didn't like, I would stand up for

    them. I would do this by telling them that they can't control the way their face looks. I would also

    try to give them some sense of empathy. I hope people won't judge Maisie and August by the

    way they look, but by what is inside of their hearts.

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  29. If Maisie and August was in my class, I would want to make sure that they felt welcomed everyday, but especially on the first day. The first thing I would do is get there early so I can be there to welcome them with a warm, kind smile and say “Good Morning.” Another thing would be to mentor and interact with them. During class, I would sit next to the them and explain how our schedule and classes work. I would also sit with them during lunch to talk with them. Throughout the day, I would introduce them to my friends, and make sure everyone knew that they were normal just like everyone else. At recess, I would make sure to not just play with Maisie and August but include them in our games and activities. Also, I would try to find similar games and hobbies that all of us would enjoy doing. Finally at the end of the day, before I left I would make sure they had a wonderful first day. At 3:00 I would say “Good bye, and see you tomorrow” before I left school. I hope if Maisie or August was in my class that they would have a wonderful day at school and enjoy their time there.

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  30. Alex C.
    If Masie or August were in my class it would take some getting used to before I accepted them like everyone else. The first thing Iwould probably do is like what the people in August's class did. My first reaction would probably be cringeing, stareing, or looking away. However after two or three days I would just forget about there face and remember to not judge a book by its cover. Hopefully by the end of the year to me they would be like everyone else in the class.

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  31. Last year I was new and it was hard enough to get settled, I couldn't imagine how hard it would be to get settled when you have something that makes you physically different. If I were in a class with Maisie or August I would try to help her/him get settled by introducing him/her to my friends and see if he/she likes any of my friends. If they were bullied I would stand up for her/him. I would also try to invite them to do things outside of school, or at recces try to do the things they want to do. At lunch I would try to sit with her/him. Once they are settled I will continue to help them fit in and succeed academically and socially. Hopefully at sometime in the year people would see past their differences.

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