Muckabout School
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
At Muckabout School, pupils are expected to misbehave, as good behavior is strictly forbidden. New student Gary Goody struggles with this concept, as he is naturally well-mannered and polite. Despite his efforts to fit in by attempting to behave badly, he ultimately fails. In a separate story, the school plans an outing to a local zoo that is facing closure, but things go awry when a reporter documents the children's behavior. Through these stories, author Ian Whybrow uses humor to explore the unconventional world of Muckabout School.
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the day at Muckabout School so special for the characters?
How did the characters solve problems they faced during their school day?
What would you do if you were a student at Muckabout School? Can you imagine a fun activity?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do the characters in the book show teamwork or friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the school environment depicted in the book versus their own school experience.
Discuss the importance of cooperation and how the characters in the book work together to overcome challenges.
Ask your child to think of creative solutions or activities they would implement if they were in charge of a school for the day, fostering creative thinking.
Highlight the character traits that helped the students succeed in their tasks and discuss with your child how they can apply those traits in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Muckabout School', children work together to solve problems and achieve goals, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value cooperation in group settings such as classrooms or sports teams, understanding that collective efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The characters in the book often use creative solutions to navigate challenges they face at school, showcasing the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply imaginative thinking to their projects, assignments, and play, realizing that creativity can turn ordinary tasks into extraordinary experiences.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Students in 'Muckabout School' come from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and respect different cultures, abilities, and perspectives in their own communities, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The students are tasked with responsibilities and learn the consequences of their actions, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to take responsibility for their actions in real life, be it at home with chores or in school with assignments.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through various school adventures, characters face and resolve conflicts using critical thinking, which is central to the plot.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach conflicts and obstacles in their lives methodically, developing resilience and resourcefulness.