#13 in The Bailey School Kids Series
Aliens Don't Wear Braces
on Goodreads (1,253)
What’s inside...
A strange, sparkling device-found in the school art room leads Bailey Elementary's students to suspect that Ms. Zuider, the new art teacher, is an alien.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the aliens in the story don't wear braces? What makes them different or similar to people?
How do the characters in the book react to the idea of aliens? What would you do if you met an alien?
What are some ways the students in the story help each other understand or accept unusual situations?
What do you think is the most important lesson the characters learned in this adventure?
How would you describe this story to a friend? What parts do you think are the most exciting or fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that invite more than a yes-or-no answer to encourage your child to think deeply and express themselves.
Show genuine interest in their responses and follow up with questions like 'Why do you think that?' or 'Can you tell me more?' to deepen the discussion.
Connect themes or events in the book to your child’s personal experiences, asking if they’ve ever felt similar emotions or faced similar situations.
Encourage your child to imagine different endings for the book or how they might behave if they were one of the characters, fostering creativity and empathy.
Discuss the colorful and whimsical illustrations with your child, asking about their favorite pictures and what they think is happening in them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The book showcases characters who appear peculiar, such as an alien with braces, teaching kids that differences should be embraced rather than feared.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers who might look or behave differently from them, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The whimsical and fantastical elements of aliens encourage children to think creatively and stretch their imaginations.
Real-World Application: This nurtures creative thinking which can be applied in problem-solving or artistic endeavors in their daily activities or academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story characters often work together to solve mysteries or overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals whether in school projects or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Characters in the book are often curious about the unusual happenings, driving them to explore and learn more.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to seek knowledge and ask insightful questions in and out of the classroom, enhancing their educational journey.
Example Lesson: Handling Fear
Explanation: As the characters encounter the unknown, such as aliens, they learn to manage their fears and often find these fears unfounded.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to manage their own fears and learn that facing fears can often lead to positive outcomes.