I Hate School
What’s inside...
Having come up with crazy stories about the horrors of school, such as being fed worms for lunch and having pirates for classmates, Honor Brown finally graduates and is set free--only to miss it after realizing that school wasn't such a bad place after all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels about school at the beginning of the story, and how do those feelings change by the end?
What are some reasons the character doesn't like school? Have you ever felt the same way?
Can you think of a time when you tried something you didn't like at first but ended up enjoying?
What are some ways the teachers or friends help the character feel better about school?
If you could give the main character advice on their first day of school, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express any similar feelings they might have about school, emphasizing that it's okay to have mixed emotions.
Discuss personal experiences related to school, both positive and negative, to help your child understand that their feelings are shared by others.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that this is a safe space for open communication.
Link discussions to personal growth, emphasizing how the character overcomes challenges and how they can apply similar lessons in their own life.
Relate the character’s resolutions to real-life strategies your child might use when facing similar situations at school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'I Hate School', the protagonist, Honor, speaks candidly about her feelings towards school, providing a platform for discussing emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their emotions more effectively, be it at home or school, fostering better emotional management.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: The book shows Honor eventually opening up to her mother about her school troubles, illustrating the importance of honest communication.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of discussing their problems with parents or teachers, thus building stronger relationships and solving issues more effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Readers see the world from Honor's perspective, helping them to develop empathy by recognizing different emotional responses to school.
Real-World Application: This lesson assists children in being more understanding and empathetic towards peers who might have differing feelings about school or other situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Honor and her mother find constructive solutions to her school concerns, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, applying similar strategies to overcome personal obstacles in school or other activities.
Example Lesson: Adjusting to new environments
Explanation: Through the story, Honor learns to navigate her initial discomfort with school, teaching adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace new environments and experiences with a positive attitude, aiding their adjustment in new settings like transitioning to a new grade or school.