Middle School Misadventures: Dance Disaster (Volume 3)
#3 of 3 in Middle school misadventures Series
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
Newell's perfectly comfortable life is turned upside down when Mrs. Hendricks announces the upcoming school dance and he discovers his dad is dating his math teacher, Miss Tanner. Between his anxiety about the school-wide dance potentially breaking up his friend group and the awkwardness of his dad dating his teacher, Newell faces a series of unfortunate events, including physical accidents and social blunders. As he navigates these challenges, Newell learns to adapt and embrace the 'dance of life,' ultimately growing from the experience.
Discussion points
What do you think Newell learned about himself and his friends during the preparation for the dance?
How do the characters handle their setbacks throughout the story?
Can you relate to any of the feelings or experiences that Newell went through?
What would you have done differently if you were in Newell’s shoes at the dance?
What did this book teach you about teamwork and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal anecdote related to school dances or challenges during middle school to make the discussion relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite characters and parts of the book to deepen their connection and understanding of the story.
Ask open-ended questions that promote empathy and insight, encouraging your child to consider different perspectives presented in the book.
Validate your child’s feelings and opinions about the book, fostering a safe space for open dialogue and critical thinking.
Wrap up the discussion with a fun activity, such as drawing a favorite scene or writing a short alternate ending, to further engage with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: In 'Middle School Misadventures: Dance Disaster,' the protagonist, Newell, faces numerous setbacks while preparing for the school dance. Despite the obstacles, he perseveres and remains determined.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when facing their own difficulties, be it in school projects or personal challenges, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming hurdles.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how Newell and his friends collaborate to solve problems and make the dance a success, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working cooperatively with others, enhancing their ability to participate in group tasks at school or in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Newell uses creative approaches to tackle unexpected issues, illustrating the power of inventive thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to their own obstacles, be it during school assignments or in everyday life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Handling embarrassment
Explanation: The protagonist deals with potentially embarrassing situations with humor and grace, providing a model for coping with similar feelings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to handle embarrassing moments with light-heartedness and resilience, aiding their social and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Value of preparation
Explanation: Newell’s experiences underscore the necessity of being prepared, as his lack of preparation leads to initial setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of preparation for school tests, presentations, or any significant events, fostering a habit of planning ahead to ensure success.