#3 in Wayside School Series
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
on Goodreads (22,356)
What’s inside...
In this third installment in the Wayside School series, the school reopens following construction. Mrs. Jewls is on maternity leave and the children have a series of strange substitute teachers. This book follows the students' funny and bizarre adventures, including Mrs. Drazil's attempt to make John forget how to read, a new student who can only read upside down, and a teacher who has the students try to sell their toes.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes Wayside School different from your school? How would you feel about attending a school like that?
Which character in the story did you find the most interesting or funny? Why?
If you could create one rule for Wayside School, what would it be and why?
How do the teachers and students at Wayside School handle strange or unexpected events? What would you do in their situation?
What lessons do you think the author wanted to share through the odd happenings at Wayside School?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations by asking your child how they relate to the characters or situations in the book. Highlight the humor and absurdity in the story to make discussions enjoyable and memorable. Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express their opinions about the book’s themes and characters. Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons in resilience and creativity. Share your own school stories and experiences to deepen the connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: The quirky and unique characters of Wayside School show children that it's okay to be different. Each character has their own idiosyncrasies which are celebrated rather than shunned.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their own differences as well as those of others around them, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, students at Wayside School face unusual problems that require creative solutions, demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply creative thinking to overcome challenges in their daily lives, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The students often work together to solve problems, highlighting how teamwork and cooperation are fundamental in building strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of helping and supporting their friends, fostering positive social interactions and relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite the strange events that happen in the school, the students and teachers adapt and manage to continue their days, embodying resilience.
Real-World Application: Helping children understand that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence and adaptability are key to overcoming difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for authority
Explanation: The relationship between the students and the teachers in the story highlights mutual respect, illustrating how respect influences positive interactions.
Real-World Application: Promoting respect for parents, teachers, and other authoritative figures in a child's daily interactions enhances social development and community respect.