Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!
What’s inside...
Started by Dr. Seuss, finished by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Lane Smith, 'Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!' is a celebration of individuality and creativity through the story of Miss Bonkers and the Diffendoofer School. The school must showcase its unique teaching methods to avoid its students being sent to Flobbertown. The book, completed posthumously, includes Dr. Seuss's original sketches and notes, an introduction by his longtime editor, and homage paid by Prelutsky and Smith to Dr. Seuss's distinctive style.
Age
5-8
Length
54 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Narrator
Mr Lowe
Miss Bonkers
Discussion points
What do you think makes Diffendoofer School special compared to other schools?
How do you feel about the teachers and the ways they teach in the book?
Can you imagine what your ideal school would look like? What kind of subjects or activities would it have?
Why do you think it's important for the school to stay open?
How would you help your school if it was in danger of closing like Diffendoofer School?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on their current school environment compared to Diffendoofer School.
Discuss the importance of creativity in education and how it can make learning more enjoyable.
Ask your child to draw or describe their perfect school, fostering a creative discussion about education.
Highlight the teamwork aspect of the book and discuss experiences where they had to work together with others to achieve a goal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity and Thinking Differently
Explanation: The book celebrates how the school encourages unique thinking and creativity in solving problems, as evident in the students' approach during the standardized test.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their creativity in everyday problem-solving and appreciate diverse perspectives in group settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Effective Teaching
Explanation: The teachers at Diffendoofer School are depicted as engaging and supportive, adapting their styles to fit the needs of their students, which leads to the students' success.
Real-World Application: This highlights the role of educators in shaping young minds, encouraging respect and appreciation for teachers in a child's real-world schooling experience.
Example Lesson: Confidence in One's Abilities
Explanation: The students' belief in their unique learning style and the support from their teachers helps them succeed in the face of challenges, demonstrating the power of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to trust in their abilities and face challenges with confidence, be it in academics or other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: The story shows how the entire school comes together to support each other, highlighting the strength in unity.
Real-World Application: This lesson fosters a sense of community and teamwork in children, teaching them the importance of working together towards common goals in school or other activities.