Stanley at School
#4 of 1 in Stanley Series
What’s inside...
Every day, Stanley the dog watched all the children in his neighborhood walk down his street and into their school, where they stayed until the afternoon. And every day he got more and more curious. "What did the kids do in that school all day?" His dog friends at the park didn't know any more than he did. So they decided to find out, and together they made their way to the bottom of the stairs in front of the school. "And that's when Stanley got an idea. A big idea. A bold idea! An idea so daring, it made his fur stand up. 'Why don't we go inside?' he said." What could be more fun than four dogs running loose in an elementary school? Not much. Until they get caught, that is!Small children love stories about things in their world getting turned upside down, and this story delivers in a big way. This sixth book in the bestselling series from the multi-award-winning team of Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin will have children roaring with delight, as the dogs are shown in hilarious detail making their way through lunch boxes, chasing basketballs and upending instruments and paint jars before eventually getting marched out by the principal (the "top dog" at the school). This book is a natural for a lively read-aloud, but it could also spark a discussion about seeing things from another's point of view, in this case a dog's.
Discussion points
Why do you think Stanley wanted to see what school was like?
How do you think the other animals felt about joining Stanley on his adventure?
What was the most surprising thing Stanley found out about school?
If you were Stanley, what would you have been most curious to find in the school?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place, like a playground or a zoo?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they imagine a day at school from a pet's perspective might look like. This sets a creative stage.
Pause at intense moments or surprises in the story to ask your child how they feel or what they would do in similar situations.
Relate the adventures of Stanley to your child’s own school experiences, asking them to draw parallels.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the different characters’ reactions and ask your child why they think each character behaved in that way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Stanley, a curious dog, leads his friends to explore their local school, showcasing the value of curiosity and the joy of discovering new places.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new environments and learn from them, just like Stanley explores the school, which can help them become more observant and knowledgeable about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stanley and his friends work together to navigate the school and solve problems they encounter, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, promoting social skills and collective problem-solving in group settings like classrooms or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: As Stanley and his friends venture into the unknown territory of the school, they overcome their fears together, illustrating the power of facing and conquering fears with support from friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's normal to feel afraid of new experiences, but with the support of friends and a brave approach, they can overcome their fears and grow more confident.
Example Lesson: Respect for Rules
Explanation: While exploring the school, Stanley and his crew learn to respect the rules and understand the purpose behind them, acknowledging why certain areas are off-limits.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of respecting guidelines and rules within educational settings or any structured environment, aiding in the development of discipline and respect for authority.