#7 in The Bailey School Kids Series
Santa Claus Doesn't Mop Floors
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of two kids, Howie and his sister Emily who discover a strange man working as a janitor in their school. They believe that the janitor is none other than Santa Claus based on his looks and his tendency to whistle Christmas carols. As they try to find out the truth, they get wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas while learning valuable lessons.
Character compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you met someone who claimed to be Santa Claus? How would you know if they were telling the truth?
Why do you think Santa Claus didn't mop the floors in the story? What does this tell us about taking care of our responsibilities?
How did the characters in the book change by the end? What did they learn about helping others?
If you could have a magical helper like Santa for a day, what tasks would you want help with and why?
How important is it to keep promises, like the characters in the book learned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and animated voice changes to match the magical and humorous aspects of the story, making the reading experience enjoyable and lively.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. Use this as a visual aid to discuss the story’s themes and characters more deeply.
Encourage your child to consider what they would do in the characters' situations, enhancing empathy and ethical reasoning.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations, such as discussing family responsibilities and the importance of contributing to household chores.
Finish your discussion with a fun activity, like writing a pretend letter to Santa, incorporating elements from the book and personal wishes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Santa Claus Doesn't Mop Floors,' the characters learn the importance of working together to solve the mystery of the janitor who might be Santa. They collaborate and share ideas, which ultimately leads to a successful outcome.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in cooperative activities at school or during play, learning to value others' contributions and working jointly towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the characters' attempts to understand and empathize with the janitor's situation, sparking discussions about his mysterious behavior.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others in real life, promoting kindness and empathy towards classmates and family members.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The children in the book are driven by their curiosity to uncover whether the janitor is Santa. This curiosity leads them to explore and learn more about their surroundings and the people in it.
Real-World Application: Curiosity can lead children to discover new interests and pursue knowledge in various areas, enhancing their educational experience and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters use critical thinking to piece together clues about the janitor's true identity.
Real-World Application: Critical thinking skills can be fostered in children by encouraging them to ask questions, analyze information, and make informed decisions in their day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The book indirectly highlights the value of hard work through the janitor's diligent maintenance of the school, regardless of whether he is Santa or not.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the effort behind everyday tasks and roles, understanding the importance of contribution and responsibility in household chores and school assignments.