#1 in My Weird School Series
Miss Kraft Is Daft!
2012 by
on Goodreads (739)
What’s inside...
In this second book of the 'My Weirder School' series, A.J and his friends are in for a weird day as a substitute health teacher arrives and tries to force the students into a healthier lifestyle. Miss Kraft sports a tracksuit, jogs in place while teaching, and hands out vitamins and apples instead of candy. Convinced she's nuts, the kids come up with a plan to get rid of her for good.
Why read this book
- Engaging plot cultivates creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Relatable characters enhance emotional and social development.
- Lively narrative encourages reading fluency and comprehension.
- Fosters a love for reading through humor and adventure.
The Big Picture
- Promotes empathy towards teachers and classmates.
- Encourages problem-solving and understanding perspectives.
- Highlights respect for authority and school dynamics.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases a variety of student backgrounds and personalities.
- Promotes an inclusive classroom environment through diverse characters.
- Highlights different learning styles and academic strengths.
Book in series
#1
Age
6-10
Length
105 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think about Miss Kraft's unusual teaching methods? How do you think it affects the students?
If you were a character in the book, how would you handle the wacky school environment?
What lessons do you think the author, Dan Gutman, is trying to teach through the funny situations in the book?
How do the characters react to the unexpected events? What does this tell you about them?
If you could create a silly rule for your school, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book to encourage a two-way conversation.
Ask your child to describe their favorite scene or character, then delve deeper into why they made that choice.
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in similar situations as the characters, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of adaptability and a positive attitude in uncertain situations.
Discuss the value of humor and how it can be used to cope with challenging circumstances, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios your child may face.
What parents love
Kids love the wacky school adventures.
Encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
Relatable scenarios with a humorous twist.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Miss Kraft encourages her students to engage in creative and unconventional projects, demonstrating the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking in problem-solving at school or in play, developing unique solutions and ideas.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: Throughout the book, students learn to balance fun with respect for their teacher's rules, showing the importance of respecting authority while enjoying learning.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of following rules and respecting teachers and elders in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The projects in Miss Kraft's class require students to work together, teaching them cooperation and the significance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others, sharing responsibilities and combining skills for common goals in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The diverse characters in the book with unique traits and talents show readers the importance of embracing everyone's individuality.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and celebrate their own and others' differences, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence.