Whillie integrates story with science, history, and social emotional learning.
Educators can explore:
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Discussion prompts
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Science connections including thermal expansion
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Historical connections including the Great Chicago Fire
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Creative writing activities
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Identity and resilience conversations
Whillie was written to be read, and Whilie was also written to be experienced. In classrooms, it becomes more than just a story. It becomes a space where students can reflect, question, imagine, and connect.
The activities below are designed to support thoughtful discussion, creative expression, and gentle self-discovery. They invite students to explore ideas such as belonging, identity, curiosity, and what it means to feel enough in ways that are natural, engaging, and age-appropriate. Each resource can be used on its own or as part of a broader classroom experience.
Whillie provides opportunities to:
• spark meaningful conversations about self-worth and belonging
• foster curiosity through stories, science, and real-world connections
• support social and emotional learning in an authentic and natural way
• encourage creativity through drawing, mapping, and storytelling
• create reflection moments that students can carry with them beyond the classroom
You will find four simple, versatile resources below:
Discussion Questions
Thought-provoking prompts that encourage students to reflect on their own experiences, connect with the characters, and explore the idea of being enough in their own words.
Fun Facts Worksheet
A gentle bridge between story and the real world, introducing science, history, and discovery in a way that sparks curiosity and invites students to notice more.
Create Your Own Cart
A creative invitation for students to imagine, design, and express their own identity through a character of their own.
Classroom Map Template
An opportunity to step inside the world of WonderMart, build spatial awareness, and expand imagination by creating new places within the story.
Used together or separately, these resources are meant to keep the conversation going, long after the final page is turned.
