School Rules Are Optional: The Grade Six Survival Guide 1
#1 of 2 in The Grade Six Survival Guide Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
On the first day of school, Jesse is facing multiple challenges: his ancient teacher Mrs. Leeman, the possibility of being school captain, and losing his Grade Six jumper. As he navigates through these problems, more arise including a disrespectful younger student, a major plumbing issue, and a compulsory school camp. Jesse's humorous journey through Grade Six will leave you laughing as he deals with the ups and downs of school life.
Character compass
Jesse
Ms Faith
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important rules at school, and why?
How do you handle situations when you or your friends don't agree with a rule?
Can you think of a time when breaking a rule might be okay? What would that situation look like?
How do the characters in the book deal with challenges at school? Can you relate to any of their strategies?
What have you learned from the book that you think will help you in your own school experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to compare their school rules with the ones in the book, promoting critical thinking about why rules are made.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the school rules they like or dislike, enhancing their ability to articulate personal views.
Discuss the consequences of breaking rules in real life versus in the book, helping them distinguish between fiction and reality.
Use examples from the book to discuss problem-solving and conflict resolution, providing practical life skills.
Highlight the importance of understanding and sometimes questioning rules, fostering a sense of justice and fairness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story explores the dynamics of friendship among grade six students, highlighting how they navigate their differences and support each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value the friendships they form and understand the importance of supporting their friends in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: Handling Change
Explanation: The protagonist faces several changes typical of a student in grade six, such as transitioning to a new academic environment and adjusting to new social circles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn how to adapt to changes and challenges in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with shifts in friendships.
Example Lesson: Personal Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters learn lessons about taking responsibility for their actions, both in their schoolwork and in their interactions with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being accountable for their actions, both in academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often face challenges that require clever and creative solutions, teaching the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles in their own lives, whether in their studies or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book showcases how the characters bounce back from setbacks and failures, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that setbacks are a part of life and that resilience and determination are key to overcoming them.