Trouble Magnet #2 (George Brown, Class Clown)
#2 of 19 in George Brown, Class Clown Series
What’s inside...
The annual talent show at Shirley S. Sugarman Elementary School is in just a few weeks, and George signs up to be a stagehand. He is determined to do a good job because the new, improved George is responsible and helpful and glad to pitch in. So is comic mayhem coming? Oh yeah, absolutely! But leave it to Nancy Krulik to devise an unexpected way for disaster to strike and bring down the curtain.
Character compass
George Brown
Discussion points
How did George's actions affect those around him, and what would you have done differently if you were in his shoes?
What are some ways that George could have handled his 'super burp' problem without causing trouble?
What do you think are the most important lessons George learns in this story?
How do the other characters respond to George's antics? Can you relate to any of their reactions?
Why do you think it's important for George to try to control his 'super burp'? What can happen if we don't manage our impulses?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts about the book to make your child feel comfortable sharing.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, which helps personalize the conversation.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about George's behavior and relate it to any similar experiences they might have faced.
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of actions and the importance of considering others.
Suggest role-playing different scenarios from the book to help your child understand different perspectives and consequences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsibility
Explanation: George learns the consequences of his actions when his pranks and jokes affect those around him. He begins to understand the importance of taking responsibility for his behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning up to their mistakes and learning to think about how their actions impact others, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, George experiences various challenges and misunderstandings with his friends. He learns to navigate these difficulties, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and valuing friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of communication and empathy in friendships, teaching them to value and nurture relationships.
Example Lesson: Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: George often finds himself in tricky situations due to his antics. As he attempts to resolve these situations, he develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from George’s experiences to assess situations more carefully and think creatively about solutions to problems they face in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: George’s journey in the book showcases how mistakes are a natural part of growing up. He learns important lessons each time he fumbles, showing that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace their mistakes as learning opportunities and encourages a growth mindset, rather than fearing failure.