Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble (Nikki & Deja)
#6 of 6 in Nikki & Deja Series
What’s inside...
Deja is dismayed to learn that her teacher has had an accident and a substitute will be taking her place. Under the new sub's care, nothing is the same in Room Ten. A few of the class troublemakers plot to take advantage of the clueless teacher, and soon other students join in. Should Nikki and Deja go along with the rest of the kids in tormenting him? Should they help him out by tattling on their classmates? Or is there another way to handle the situation? Here is another charming entry in a chapter book series about African American girls praised for its accessibility, authenticity, and humor.
Character compass
Nikki
Deja
Mr. Willow
Tiffany
Discussion points
How did Nikki and Deja feel when they first met the substitute teacher, and how did their feelings change throughout the story?
What are some ways that Nikki and Deja tried to solve their problem with the substitute teacher? Do you think these were good solutions?
Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a new situation or person, like a new teacher? How did you handle it?
What do you think makes a good teacher? How does the substitute in the story compare to your idea of a good teacher?
If you were Nikki or Deja, what would you have done differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, express genuine curiosity about your child's opinions and feelings. This encourages them to open up and share their thoughts.
Relate the characters' experiences in the book to real-life scenarios your child might face, such as adapting to a new teacher or dealing with unexpected changes.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the story.
Use examples from the book to talk about values such as empathy, understanding, and resilience in the face of challenges.
End your discussion by asking your child how they might use what they've learned from the story in their own life, fostering a sense of practical application.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: In 'Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble,' the students learn to adapt and show respect to a substitute teacher, which reflects the importance of respecting all authority figures, not just the regular ones.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing respect to different authority figures they encounter in their everyday life such as teachers, coaches, or relatives who are in supervisory roles.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The story demonstrates the challenges and confusion that can arise from changes like having a new teacher. Nikki and Deja learn to cope and adjust, highlighting adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable when they face changes in routine or environment, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes in their home life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: When dealing with the substitute teacher, Nikki and Deja begin to understand the situation from the teacher's perspective, which fosters empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this understanding to put themselves in others' shoes in various situations, helping them to build better interpersonal relationships and reduce conflicts.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters in the book come together to solve the issues caused by the substitute teacher, which enhances their problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to apply similar skills in solving everyday problems, whether academic or personal, fostering a sense of independence and confidence.