Eerie Elementary: The School is Alive
#1 of 10 in Eerie Elementary Series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. Featuring easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books are designed to boost reading confidence and stamina. The set includes titles like The School is Alive, The Locker Ate Lucy, Recess is a Jungle, School Freezes Over, The Science Fair is Freaky, Sam Battles the Machine, Classes Are Canceled, The Hall Monitors Are Fired, and The End of Orson Eerie?
Discussion points
How would you feel if your school was like Eerie Elementary? What would you do if you were in Sam’s shoes?
What role do Antonio and Lucy play in helping Sam throughout the story? Can you think of times when your friends have helped you face something scary?
Eerie Elementary is alive and has a mind of its own. If you could give your school a personality, what would it be like and why?
What lessons do you think Sam learned by the end of the book? How do you think these lessons could help you in your own life?
If you could write the next adventure at Eerie Elementary, what would happen? Who would be the heroes and what challenges would they face?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s events and characters. Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking. Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills. Share your own school experiences to create a bond and show them they are not alone in their feelings. Highlight the bravery and teamwork demonstrated, reinforcing these values in your child’s life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonist, Sam, faces his fears by bravely confronting the challenges posed by his school, which has come to life and turned malevolent.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act despite it.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Sam, along with his friends, works together to solve the mystery of their living school, showing how collaboration is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value teamwork and cooperate with others in group tasks or shared goals in school or play.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Despite being scared, Sam takes on the responsibility of protecting the students from the school’s dangers, demonstrating leadership.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility in tough situations and the role of leadership in protecting and helping others around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sam and his friends use their wit and intelligence to figure out why the school is alive and how to save everyone, which highlights effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and develop solutions to problems they may face in their academic or personal lives.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Sam never gives up on his mission to defeat the sinister school, demonstrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Instilling persistence in children, helping them understand that setbacks are part of any challenging situation, but continual effort can lead to success.