School Smarts: All the Right Answers to Homework, Teachers, Popularity, and More!
School Smarts Series
What’s inside...
Offers advice on a variety of school-related topics, including getting along with teachers, doing homework, studying for tests, preparing presentations, being popular, and more. Addresses the social aspects of school as well as study skills and learning tools, and provides motivational approaches to homework, studying, and classroom decorum. Original.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you feel about the different school experiences described in the book?
What are some ways you can apply the advice from the book to your own school life?
Can you identify any characters in the book who remind you of people you know? Why?
What do you think about the advice given on handling homework and teachers?
If you could add one piece of advice to the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the scenarios in the book to their own school experiences. This will help personalize the advice and encourage deeper understanding.
Discuss each chapter after your child reads it, focusing specifically on how the advice given could be useful or adjusted to fit their needs.
Ask your child to think about how they might handle similar situations differently, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of communication and respect in all relationships, whether with classmates or teachers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Organization
Explanation: The book teaches children how to stay organized with their homework and daily tasks, highlighting the effectiveness of using planners and checklists.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these organization skills to manage their school assignments, leading to less stress and better time management.
Example Lesson: Value of Asking for Help
Explanation: Characters in the story often ask for help from teachers and peers when they are unsure about something, demonstrating that it is okay to seek assistance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be proactive about their uncertainties, whether academically or socially, enhancing their problem-solving skills and independence.
Example Lesson: Handling Peer Pressure
Explanation: Through various scenarios, the book shows children effective ways to deal with peer pressure and the importance of making their own choices.
Real-World Application: Children can better navigate social interactions at school, sticking to their values and making decisions that are right for them.
Example Lesson: Developing Healthy Friendships
Explanation: The narrative encourages making friends based on mutual respect and shared interests, steering clear of toxic relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can foster positive social environments that promote emotional growth and empathy by choosing friends who uplift them.
Example Lesson: Respect for Teachers and Educators
Explanation: Characters learn to value the guidance and wisdom of their teachers, understanding their role in academic and personal development.
Real-World Application: This respect can extend to all authority figures in a child's life, encouraging a supportive and respectful attitude towards adults.