Miss Nelson Has a Field Day
#3 of 3 in Miss Nelson Series
on Goodreads (2,932)
What’s inside...
In this companion to Miss Nelson Is Missing and Miss Nelson Is Back, the notorious Miss Swamp returns to Horace B. Smedley School to coach their failing football team. The Smedley Tornadoes haven't won a game all year and the entire school is down in the dumps. There's only one person tough enough to turn things around in time for the big Thanksgiving game. This funny picture book features tongue-in-cheek humor and James Marshall’s simply silly illustrations. Includes bonus downloadable audio and companion books Miss Nelson Is Missing and Miss Nelson Is Back.
Character compass
Miss Nelson
Mr. Blandsworth
Miss Viola Swamp
Discussion points
Why do you think Miss Nelson had to change into Miss Viola Swamp to motivate the football team?
What do you feel are the differences between Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp's coaching styles?
How did the players react to each coach, and why do you think they reacted that way?
What lesson did the football team learn by the end of the book?
If you were a part of the football team, what would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the story together, making sure your child understands the plot and characters.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about each character's actions, especially the transformation from Miss Nelson to Miss Viola Swamp.
Discuss the importance of motivation and teamwork, relating it to your child’s own experiences in school or sports.
Ask your child to think about what qualities make a good coach or teacher, fostering a deeper understanding of the book's themes.
Praise your child’s responses to cultivate a positive discussion environment, ensuring a more engaging and fruitful conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Miss Nelson Has a Field Day,' the football team learns to work together under the guidance of Viola Swamp, which leads to improved performance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the value of teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving goals that seemed unreachable initially.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Hard Work and Determination
Explanation: The transformation of the football team’s performance underlines the importance of working hard and staying determined, as these attributes contribute to their success on the field.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistence and effort in their studies, hobbies, or any tasks, can lead to noticeable improvements and success.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: The players’ respect for Miss Swamp’s strict coaching style helps them to focus and play better, showing the positive impact of respecting and listening to authority figures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of listening to their teachers, parents, and other authority figures, understanding that it can lead to personal growth and success.
Example Lesson: Change Can Be Beneficial
Explanation: The change in coaching style introduced by Miss Nelson (as Viola Swamp) brings a new perspective and positive changes to the team.
Real-World Application: This can help children to remain open to changes in routines or methodologies at school or home, recognizing that different approaches can provide beneficial outcomes.
Example Lesson: The Power of Belief
Explanation: The team starts succeeding once they believe in their own capabilities, driven by Miss Swamp's belief in them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities, fostering a positive self-image and confidence to tackle challenges.