If I Built a School
If I Built ... Series
What’s inside...
In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school, imagining a place filled with hover desks, pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels, and a trampoline basketball court. The school also features a robo-chef in the cafeteria and field trips to Mars, pushing the boundaries of what a fun and educational environment could look like. The boy's imaginative vision emphasizes a school where learning is not only fun, but also innovative and extraordinary.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack
Ms. Jane
Discussion points
If you could design your own school, what are three things you would include and why?
How do you think Jack's ideas make learning more fun?
What invention do you think would be the most fun to have at school and why?
Do you think there are ways to make your current school more like Jack's school?
How do you feel when you see Jack sharing his ideas? Does it inspire you to think creatively?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw their version of an 'ideal school' after reading the book. Discuss the features they include and why.
Ask open-ended questions that relate the fantastical elements of the book to your child’s everyday experiences at school.
Before reading each page, prompt predictions about what innovative idea might come next.
After reading, challenge your child to come up with their own unique school invention not mentioned in the book.
Share your own ideas of what would make learning fun, promoting a two-way conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist of 'If I Built a School' imagines a futuristic school with unique and innovative features. This demonstrates the power of imagination and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and envision creative solutions in their own learning environments or when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book shows the protagonist designing solutions to make school more engaging and fun, such as hover desks and robotic teachers. This highlights the importance of solving problems through imaginative means.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills by identifying issues in their surroundings and thinking creatively to solve them, whether at school or home.
Example Lesson: Value of Learning
Explanation: Through the visionary school designed by the protagonist, the book showcases various exciting ways to learn, emphasizing that learning can be enjoyable and rewarding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach their education with enthusiasm and to appreciate the joy in acquiring new knowledge and skills.
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: The story highlights collaborative efforts, as the dream school includes features that encourage working together, like a teamwork-promoting playground.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of teamwork in children, encouraging them to participate in group activities and learn how to cooperate with others effectively.