#1 in Wayside School Series
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
1978 by
on Goodreads (98,822)
What’s inside...
The book tells peculiar stories of a school that was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each of its thirty stories. The children and teachers on the 30th floor have strange and humorous adventures.
Why read this book
- Engages with quirky, unexpected storytelling.
- Enhances creativity and abstract thinking skills.
- Characters teach valuable life lessons subtly.
- Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
The Big Picture
- Emphasizes inclusivity and acceptance.
- Enhances empathy and social skills.
- Promotes adaptability in unexpected situations.
- Encourages discussions on inclusivity and teamwork.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse cast, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
- Varied backgrounds of characters enhance global awareness.
- Encourages empathy through multi-cultural character interactions.
Book in series
#1
Age
7-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes Wayside School different from your school? Can you imagine what a day there would be like?
Which character in 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' do you relate to the most and why?
If you could create a quirky rule for Wayside School, what would it be and how would it change the school day?
How do the teachers and students at Wayside School help each other solve problems? Can you think of a similar experience you've had?
What lesson did you learn from the story that you think is important in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to invent their own silly school rules or quirky characters. Discuss the unique traits of each character and ask your child if they see those traits in people they know. Use the humorous and absurd situations from the book to talk about real-life problem-solving and decision-making skills. Lastly, link the stories to your child's daily experiences to make the discussion more relatable and grounded in their reality.
What parents love
Creative and humorous, perfect for sparking imagination.
Engages kids with funny, thought-provoking stories.
Teaches valuable social lessons through whimsical tales.
Quirky characters make every story a delightful read.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the quirky and diverse characters in 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School,' children learn the value of understanding and empathizing with others' unique traits and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion and kindness towards classmates who might be different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book's unusual scenarios, like a classroom on the 19th floor of a bizarrely built school, encourage children to think creatively and find unconventional solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to approach challenges in their daily lives with creative thinking, enabling them to solve problems in innovative ways.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Fairness
Explanation: Stories in the book highlight the consequences of unfair treatment and the importance of being fair to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to practice fairness in their interactions with others, such as taking turns and sharing, which are crucial skills for harmonious play and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the book often face absurd and challenging situations, teaching children the importance of adapting to unexpected circumstances and persisting through difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for helping children understand that setbacks are part of life, and that resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles.