Rube Goldberg's Simple Normal Humdrum School Day
#1 of 2 in Rube Goldberg Series
What’s inside...
From author Jennifer George and Reuben Award-winning illustrator Ed Steckley, Rube Goldberg’s Simple Normal Humdrum School Day is a picture book adventure that chronicles a day in the life of the famed inventor. The story follows Rube as he turns simple daily tasks into complex and humorous challenges using his quirky inventions. Featuring 14 interactive sequences, the book showcases Rube's unique solutions for getting ready for school, making breakfast, doing homework, and more, highlighting that 'normal' in the Goldberg household is anything but.
Discussion points
What was your favorite machine that Rube Goldberg created in the story, and why do you think it was made that way?
How do you think Rube felt when his machines didn’t work as planned? Have you ever felt that way?
Why is it important to keep trying even when things don’t work out the first time?
Can you think of a funny or unique machine you would like to build? What would it do?
How did Rube use his imagination to solve problems at school? How can you use your imagination to help you at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the machines in the book, fostering their descriptive language and observation skills.
Discuss the concept of trial and error with your child, emphasizing that it’s okay to make mistakes and that persistence is key to success.
Use the book as a springboard to talk about creativity and innovation, asking your child to come up with their own inventive ideas.
Relate the story’s situations to personal experiences your child may have had at school to deepen their connection and understanding of the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist navigates various contraptions to accomplish simple tasks, showcasing ingenuity and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges creatively and think outside the box to find solutions in their daily life.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite encounters with complex machines and obstacles, the main character remains determined to complete his school day tasks.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of determination and perseverance when facing difficult tasks or situations.
Example Lesson: Cause and effect
Explanation: The book illustrates how different components interact in Rube Goldberg machines, highlighting the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by predicting outcomes based on actions in their interactions and experiments.
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: Collaboration is shown when characters work together to build or operate machines, emphasizing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work cooperatively in group settings whether in school projects or play, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The intricacy of the machines sparks curiosity about how things work and the principles of physics and engineering.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore, ask questions, and engage in STEM learning opportunities outside of the classroom.