Mr Klutz Is Nuts!
#2 of 21 in My Weird School Series
What’s inside...
This is the second book in the My Weird School series, featuring the hilarious antics of A.J. and his classmates as they adjust to their new and unconventional principal, Mr. Klutz. Known for his outrageous behavior like hanging upside down from the ceiling, wearing silly costumes, and playing bizarre games, Mr. Klutz is unlike any principal the students have ever seen. As he goes to extreme lengths to motivate his students, including skateboarding and bungee-jumping dressed as Santa Claus, A.J. and his friends are on a mission to keep him safe. The book promises non-stop laughter and fun, showcasing the creative and humorous writing of Dan Gutman. Follow the chaos and comedy as A.J. navigates a school environment where the grown-ups are more eccentric than the kids.
Discussion points
What did you think about Mr. Klutz's decision to do crazy stunts to encourage reading? How did it change the way students felt about reading?
If you were a student at Ella Mentry School, what stunt would you want Mr. Klutz to do?
What do you think makes Mr. Klutz a good or not-so-good principal?
How do the actions of Mr. Klutz show the importance of having fun while learning?
If you could create a fun reading challenge for our family, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book's characters and events, emphasizing the fun and creative approach to learning and reading. Ask them to imagine themselves in the story and think about how they would interact with a principal like Mr. Klutz. Discuss the value of reading and how it can be enjoyable, using Mr. Klutz's humorous stunts as a starting point.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of enthusiasm and positivity
Explanation: In 'Mr. Klutz Is Nuts!', the principal shows unyielding enthusiasm and positivity by performing amusing antics like kissing a pig if the students read a certain number of books. This demonstrates the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in education.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by adopting a positive attitude towards their studies and other activities, understanding that enthusiasm can lead to enjoyable and rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of setting and achieving goals
Explanation: Mr. Klutz sets a clear goal for his students to read a significant number of books. This goal-setting act in the story highlights the importance of having objectives to aim for, both individually and as a group.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set practical goals for their educational tasks and extracurricular activities, understanding that achieving these goals can bring a sense of accomplishment and can be celebrated.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The principal’s unusual methods to encourage reading showcase creative problem-solving. Instead of traditional methods, he uses engaging, out-of-the-box ideas to achieve educational objectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think creatively when faced with challenges, understanding that sometimes unconventional solutions can be very effective.
Example Lesson: The impact of leadership and influence
Explanation: Mr. Klutz’s role as a principal and his unique style of leadership significantly influence the students' motivation and engagement towards reading, demonstrating the profound impact an effective leader can have.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing the influence they can have on others and the responsibility that comes with it, promoting positive behavior and mutual support among peers.