#2 in Goosebumps Series
Stay Out of the Basement
on Goodreads (22,021)
What’s inside...
With their father conducting strange experiments with plants in the basement, Margaret and Casey begin to investigate and soon discover that their father has begun to resemble a plant.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think the basement represents in the story?
How would you feel if you found something mysterious in our basement?
What would you do if you were in the character's shoes and noticed strange things happening in your house?
Why is it important to follow rules like 'Stay out of the basement'? Can you think of a rule we have at home that helps keep us safe?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what do you think causes these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. Ask if they've ever encountered something that scared or puzzled them and how they reacted.
Discuss the importance of rules and safety both inside and outside the house. Relate it to rules you have in your own home.
Explore the emotions of the characters with your child by asking how they think each character felt during key moments in the story.
After reading the book, visit the basement together, if applicable, and discuss how reality is different from fiction, which can help alleviate any fears or anxieties.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to come up with an alternative ending to the story or what they would do differently if they were part of it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and its consequences
Explanation: In 'Stay Out of the Basement,' the children's curiosity leads them to discover their father's bizarre plant experiments in the basement.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of questioning and exploring, but also the potential consequences of snooping around in places they shouldn't.
Example Lesson: The importance of obedience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children are explicitly told to stay out of the basement but their disobedience leads to dangerous situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of listening to and following instructions, especially from parents, for safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: Dealing with fear
Explanation: The protagonists face their fears as they deal with the strange occurrences caused by their father's experiments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing their fears, especially when dealing with unknown situations, is a part of growth and can often resolve misunderstandings or problems.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The children must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand the mystery of their father’s changed behavior and the truth about the basement.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be analytical and resourceful in solving problems or understanding complex situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Family unity and teamwork
Explanation: The siblings work together to solve the mystery and deal with the threats, showcasing the strength of family bonds.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of teamwork and supporting each other, teaching kids the value of collaborative problem solving within the family unit.