Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth
What’s inside...
Sure, first-grade teacher Mrs. Watson may look human, but it is a known and proven fact that she is actually a three-hundred-year-old alien who steals baby teeth from her students. Thank goodness for a second grader's warning, because this little first grader has a secret: She has a loose tooth! Her first! How will she make it through an entire year without opening her mouth? Told with the same gentle wit as in their first irresistible collaboration, Countdown to Kindergarten, this lighthearted take on losing one's first tooth will have children and parents laughing aloud.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Mrs. Watson is collecting teeth? What could she be doing with them?
How does the idea of losing teeth make the main character feel? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways the characters in the book show bravery? Can you share a time when you were brave?
What do you think the story tells us about growing up and changes? How do you feel about growing up?
If you were in the main character's place, how would you handle the mystery of Mrs. Watson and the teeth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s events to deepen their understanding and connection. Use the questions to guide a conversation that helps them relate their personal experiences to those of the characters, fostering empathy and self-reflection. Highlight the humorous elements of the story to keep the discussion light-hearted and engaging. Praise their insights to boost their confidence in expressing their viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: The story addresses a common childhood fear of losing teeth and the uncertainty of the tooth fairy's visit, using humor and relatable classroom experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and understand that many worries are less scary when shared and discussed with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book showcases various characters, each with different reactions to a common situation, teaching kids to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and to try understanding their friends' feelings and fears, promoting a more empathetic approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Use of imagination
Explanation: Mrs. Watson’s humorous imaginations about where the teeth go captivates children, nurturing their creativity and making reading an adventure.
Real-World Application: Children are prompted to use their own imaginations more freely in everyday play, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The book uses humor to deal with a potentially scary subject, showing children the power of laughter in coping with new or challenging situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing a sense of humor as a coping mechanism, helping them deal with their own anxieties and difficulties in a positive way.