My Weirder-est School #11: Mrs. Stoker Is a Joker!
#11 of 12 in My Weirder-Est School Series
What’s inside...
In 'My Weirder-est School #11: Mrs. Stoker Is a Joker!' by Dan Gutman, readers join A.J. and his friends at Ella Mentry School as they navigate the arrival of their new third-grade teacher, Mrs. Stoker. Known for her unusual teaching methods and quirky personality, Mrs. Stoker makes school more enjoyable but also brings unexpected chaos. This book explores the challenges of adapting to new changes with humor and insight, making it ideal for children's developmental and emotional growth. Additionally, the narrative follows the retirement of Mr. Klutz, the former principal, and introduces a competition between Vice Principal Mrs. Jafee and Mrs. Stoker for the principal position, adding another layer of excitement and humor to the story.
Character compass
A.j.
Andrea Young
Mrs. Stoker
Discussion points
What do you think makes Mrs. Stoker such a unique character, and how does she impact the story?
If you were part of Mrs. Stoker's class, how would you react to her jokes and teaching style?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book?
How do the friendships in the story change or grow because of the events that happen?
If you could add another funny event to the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the characters and events in the book. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts. Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to connect with and learn from the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'My Weirder-est School #11: Mrs. Stoker Is a Joker!', the story demonstrates teamwork as characters collaborate to solve problems and participate in school activities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers on group projects or in sports, learning to value each other’s strengths and contributions.
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity and humor
Explanation: Mrs. Stoker encourages her students to use creativity and humor, showing that learning can be fun and engaging.
Real-World Application: Kids can use creativity to approach their school assignments in innovative ways and add humor to make everyday situations more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Respect for authority and peers
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of respecting teachers and classmates, which helps in maintaining a positive and productive school environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to show respect in their interactions, fostering a respectful attitude towards others in both school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: Characters are encouraged to be curious and ask questions, which promotes an active learning environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inquisitive and seek knowledge actively, enhancing their understanding and awareness of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Handling unexpected changes with a positive attitude
Explanation: The book shows characters adapting to unexpected situations with resilience and a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with schedule changes, with optimism and adaptability.