#73 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Mary Anne and Miss Priss
What’s inside...
When Mary Anne tries to get Jenny Prezzioso, a fussy little girl known as 'Miss Priss,' to join a kickball team, she faces opposition from the kids and from Jenny, who does not want to play.
Discussion points
How do you think Mary Anne felt when she first met Miss Priss, and why?
What are some ways Mary Anne tries to help Miss Priss throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel good? What happened?
What do you think is the most important lesson Mary Anne learned from her experience with Miss Priss?
How would you have handled the situation with Miss Priss differently, if you were in Mary Anne's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and their actions, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Draw parallels between the story and your child's real-life experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in certain scenarios within the book to develop critical thinking skills.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story and how they can be applied in everyday life to instill values.
Celebrate your child's responses and insights, even if they differ from the plot, to encourage creative thinking and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Mary Anne learns to understand and sympathize with Miss Priss, a seemingly strict and uptight character who has her own struggles and reasons for her demeanor.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the importance of looking beyond someone's surface behavior to understand their feelings and perspectives, fostering tolerance and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mary Anne faces challenges that she overcomes by opening up and communicating her feelings and thoughts effectively with others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of sharing thoughts and feelings, which can help resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mary Anne takes on the responsibility of dealing with Miss Priss and learns from the experience, showing growth and maturity.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of taking responsibility in various situations, leading to personal growth and reliability.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist adjusts her approach to dealing with challenging situations and people, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be more adaptable in their own lives, helping them to effectively navigate new or difficult situations.