Ms LaGrange Is Strange!
#8 of 21 in My Weird School Series
What’s inside...
In the My Weird School series, Mrs. LaGrange and Ms. LaGrange, both unique characters, engage A.J. and his friends in bizarre and humorous adventures. Mrs. LaGrange talks endlessly about a variety of topics including secret codes and aliens, while Ms. LaGrange, a lunch lady from France, mistakenly believes a vomitorium is a restaurant and writes secret messages in mashed potatoes. With over 30 million books sold, this series captivates children and encourages them to read through its funny and quirky narratives.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Ms. LaGrange different from other teachers in the story?
Why do you think the students reacted the way they did to Ms. LaGrange's strange habits?
If you were a student in Ms. LaGrange's class, how would you have interacted with her?
How do you think the story would change if Ms. LaGrange was just like every other teacher?
What important lesson do you think Ms. LaGrange wants her students to learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion after a fresh reading of the book to keep the details vivid in your child's mind.
Show genuine interest in your child's responses; this encourages them to think deeply and express their thoughts comfortably.
Relate the discussions to your child's real-life experiences in school or with their teachers to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story or characters to foster their curiosity and analytical thinking.
Praise your child’s responses and explorations of the themes to boost their confidence and engagement with the reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of questioning and curiosity
Explanation: Ms. LaGrange, the new lunch lady at Ella Mentry School, encourages students to be curious and ask questions about unusual situations.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and inquire about the world around them, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness and acceptance
Explanation: The students learn to accept Ms. LaGrange despite her strange ways and unusual dishes, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by embracing diversity and being open to people who might appear different from them, fostering a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity and innovation
Explanation: Ms. LaGrange introduces creative and unique food combinations, showing children the value of innovation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in everyday tasks and not be afraid to experiment and introduce new ideas.