#4 in Big Nate Series
Big Nate Flips Out
on Goodreads (13,783)
What’s inside...
Nate Wright, a detention-riddled sixth grader, hopes to break another record in the world of school troublemaking with his friends, but finds his mellow, go-with-the-flow attitude tested by an unpleasant cleanliness habit of his best friend Francis, extreme environmental allergies, a disastrously bad flick on the ultimate frisby team, and the return of aspiring comic strip artist and love interest, Angie.
Discussion points
What do you think made Nate decide to change and become more organized? How might trying new things help us learn about ourselves?
Nate and Francis had a big argument in the story. How do you think they could have resolved their differences in a better way?
Why do you think it's important for Nate to take responsibility for finding the lost camera?
How did the characters in the book show teamwork? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What lessons do you think Nate learned by the end of the book? How do you think these lessons could apply to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Listen actively to your child’s responses and thoughts without interrupting, showing them that their opinions are valued.
Encourage your child to make connections between the story and their own experiences, helping them to relate to different characters and situations.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thinking process, fostering critical thinking skills.
Highlight the positive behaviors displayed by characters, discussing how these could be incorporated into your child’s daily life.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions and decisions, linking them to real-life outcomes to enhance comprehension and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In 'Big Nate Flips Out', Nate and his friend Francis experience a falling out and eventually reconcile, demonstrating the ups and downs of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their friends, navigate disagreements, and work together towards common goals, fostering cooperation and understanding in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Taking responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Nate's journey to improve his organizational skills and accountability highlights the significance of taking responsibility in improving personal shortcomings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of self-improvement and accountability, encouraging them to take charge of their actions and learn from their mistakes.
Example Lesson: The benefits of trying new solutions
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nate is encouraged to try hypnosis to improve his habits, demonstrating openness to new methods for self-improvement.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to new ideas and solutions, inspiring them to explore different methods to overcome their challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of one's behavior on others
Explanation: Nate’s initial carelessness with a camera affects his relationships, teaching him about the consequences of one's actions on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering how their actions affect those around them, promoting empathy and conscientious behavior.