Guess What Happened at School Today
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
A hilarious collection of poems from the creator of the best-selling DUCK IN THE TRUCK series. We learnt about acorns and planted a tree Nigel fell over and bashed up his knee Rosie Rawlings cried at play -Her pet rabbit's run away. In English, Miss Chadwick was in a bad mood. At lunchtime we all made a mess with our food. And you'll never guess what happened to Claire, She leaned back too far and fell off her chair! Jez Alborough's hilarious rhymes describe a typical day at school, as seen through the eyes of various pupils. Best-selling author Jez Alborough takes us back to school in this brilliant collection of 17 poems, capturing all the humor, drama and emotion of a typical day at school. With a cast of unforgettable characters, the joy, the angst, the panic and the fun of school are all rolled into one rollicking good read. A much-have for all children just entering school - as well as those who remember their school days - this collection is a joy to read at home or in school!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the day in the story, and why?
How did the characters feel when something unexpected happened at school?
Can you think of a time when something surprising happened to you at school? How did you react?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the characters?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this particular story about a school day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own school experiences with events in the book, fostering a personal connection.
Discuss the characters' reactions to different events in the book to help your child understand and express their own feelings about similar experiences.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about coping strategies and problem-solving when unexpected things happen.
Highlight the fun and humorous aspects of the story to keep the discussion light and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings or different scenarios based on the book's plot to spark creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story highlights various characters from different backgrounds, showcasing their unique traits and contributions to the school day.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering inclusivity in their own classrooms and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The plot revolves around a situation where telling the truth resolves a misunderstanding among classmates.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value honesty in their interactions, which builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate on a school project, demonstrating how teamwork leads to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cooperate and work together in group settings, whether in academic projects or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: The book illustrates effective communication strategies that the characters use to resolve minor disputes.
Real-World Application: Children learn conflict resolution skills that can help them navigate disagreements and maintain friendships.
Example Lesson: Exploring Curiosity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters' curiosity leads them to discover and learn new things during their school day.
Real-World Application: This promotes a love of learning and encourages children to ask questions and explore their environment both academically and socially.