#6 in My Weird School Series
Mrs Dole Is Out of Control!
What’s inside...
The story is about A.J. and his friends who are in second grade and have a new guidance counselor named Mrs. Dole, who is making their lives completely out of control. She is planning a 'Gala 100th-Anniversary Celebration' for the school and driving everyone crazy with her over-the-top ideas and demands.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think made Mrs. Dole act so zany in the story?
How would you handle a situation where things seemed out of control like in the book?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected turned out to be fun?
What do you think will happen next if the story continued?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the characters’ emotions and reactions by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Foster creativity by asking your child to come up with their own zany school event, just like in the book.
Discuss the importance of adapting to unexpected situations and finding the fun in them, drawing parallels to real-life experiences.
After you finish the book, ask your child if their opinions about any of the characters changed throughout the story and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: The story showcases various characters needing to display patience with Mrs. Dole's hyperactive antics, teaching children that patience can lead to better understanding of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply patience in school or with friends, especially when dealing with someone who behaves differently from them.
Example Lesson: Value of Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to handle the chaotic situations Mrs. Dole creates. This highlights the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate in group activities or team projects, recognizing that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: The book presents Mrs. Dole's unique way of viewing things which is different from the others, teaching children that everyone has their unique perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diverse viewpoints at home or in classroom discussions, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently adapt to unexpected situations caused by Mrs. Dole's behavior, showing children the importance of being flexible.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt when faced with new or changing situations in their daily routines, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.