Ms Todd Is Odd!
#12 of 21 in My Weird School Series
What’s inside...
The My Weird School series continues with its twelfth book where the weirdness never stops in the fourth grade. A.J. and his classmates suspect their substitute teacher, Ms. Todd, of having a secret life and possibly even kidnapping their regular teacher, Miss Daisy. As they dive into detective work to uncover the truth, they discover that Ms. Todd is the weirdest substitute teacher in the history of the world. With more than 30 million books sold, this series captures the attention of young readers and offers a mix of humor and mystery that keeps them engaged.
Character compass
A.j.
Andrea Young
Ms. Todd
Discussion points
How did AJ and the other students react to Ms. Todd’s unusual ways of teaching and can you think of a time when something new or different happened at your school?
What do you think the story tells us about accepting people who are different from us?
Ms. Todd uses magic in the classroom. If you could use magic at school, what would you do and why?
How did the students change their opinions of Ms. Todd by the end of the book?
What lesson did you learn from Ms. Todd Is Odd!?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reactions to the book’s events and characters to show openness and encourage your child to express their thoughts freely.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This can help them articulate their thoughts and feelings about the book.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences at school or with friends to deepen their understanding and personal connection.
Encourage your child to think about how characters’ perceptions changed throughout the book and relate it to the importance of keeping an open mind.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness
Explanation: In 'Ms. Todd Is Odd!', Ms. Todd's unconventional teaching methods and odd personality traits are initially met with confusion and hesitation by her students. However, the children soon learn to appreciate her unique approach and understand that different doesn't mean wrong.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the differences in others around them, whether it be classmates, teachers, or family members, fostering an inclusive and accepting environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of open-mindedness
Explanation: As the story progresses, the students start to see the benefits of Ms. Todd's unusual tactics. They realize that being open-minded to new ideas and different people can lead to fun and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach new experiences and unfamiliar situations with curiosity and positivity, rather than fear or prejudice.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity in learning
Explanation: Ms. Todd uses creative methods and tools to engage her students. This not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps the students grasp complex subjects easily.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to use their imagination and creativity both in academic settings and in problem-solving in daily life, enhancing their cognitive skills and adaptability.