Tooth Trouble (Ready, Freddy)
#1 of 27 in Ready, Freddy! Series
What’s inside...
Freddy Thresher is a first grader who faces the challenge of being the only one in his class who hasn't lost a tooth. All his classmates have signed their names on the Big Tooth, and Freddy is determined to get his name on it too. He considers drastic measures, including getting punched in the face at recess, to lose a tooth. As he navigates first grade, he learns valuable lessons about growing up and facing fears.
Character compass
Freddy Thresher
Robbie
Ms. Wushy
Suzie Thresher
Max Sellars
Discussion points
How do you think Freddy felt when he discovered he was the only one in his class who hadn't lost a tooth? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways that Freddy tried to help his loose tooth come out? Which way do you think was the most creative?
Why do you think Freddy was worried about being the last to lose a tooth? How did his friends and family help him feel better?
What would you have done if you were in Freddy's shoes? Would you have done anything differently to handle your loose tooth?
How did Freddy's attitude change throughout the book? What do you think helped him to accept his situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child if they remember losing their first tooth or if they have any loose teeth right now. This personal connection can increase interest in Freddy’s story.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by using open-ended questions listed above. Listen actively and validate their feelings to promote a deeper understanding.
Discuss the theme of patience and the natural process of growing up. Relate it to your child’s own experiences with growth and change to strengthen personal connections with Freddy's story.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of a scene from the book where Freddy is dealing with his tooth trouble. Discuss the picture together, focusing on Freddy's emotions and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout 'Tooth Trouble,' Freddy learns to understand and empathize with friends who are also experiencing the fear and anxiety of losing their first tooth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings of others, whether they are going through similar experiences or facing other challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Freddy shows courage by confronting his fear of losing his first tooth, which initially causes him much anxiety.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities, starting at a new school, or other personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: In the story, Freddy seeks comfort and advice from his parents and teacher, which helps him manage his fear and feel supported.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek support from trusted adults when facing their own difficulties, understanding that it’s okay to ask for help.
Example Lesson: Patience with Personal Growth
Explanation: The book highlights how Freddy learns to be patient with himself and his body’s own timing, as his tooth does not fall out as soon as he hoped.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand and accept their own pace in different growth aspects, such as learning skills or physical changes.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Freddy adapts to the uncomfortable situation of having a loose tooth and learns coping strategies to deal with the discomfort and anxiety.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can find ways to adapt to less-than-ideal conditions and become resilient in the face of small adversities.