Teacher's Pet: (White Early Reader)
#3 in White Early Reader Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The story revolves around two young students, Lily and Tom, who bring their hamsters to school, leading to unexpected adventures. Lily finds out her hamster, Mr. Whiskers, can solve math problems, turning her into the teacher's pet during an unplanned school appearance. On the other hand, Tom brings his hamster, Gizmo, for Show and Tell, only to discover that his teacher, Mr. Hanson, is allergic to hamsters, leading to surprising events when Mr. Hanson sneezes.
Discussion points
Why do you think the character felt like they needed to be the teacher's pet?
What are some ways the character tried to impress the teacher and which ways do you think were the best?
How did the character's actions affect their relationships with the other students?
If you were in the character’s shoes, what would you have done differently?
What did the character learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal anecdote about a time when you wanted to impress someone and how it made you feel.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the character’s decisions, and relate them to their own experiences in school or with friends.
Ask your child what they think makes someone a good friend or student, linking it back to the character’s journey in the book.
Praise your child's insights and thoughtfulness as they answer, fostering an environment of open communication and affirmation.
Guide the conversation towards the lessons learned and how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The story features a scenario where the protagonist faces the temptation to cheat on a test but ultimately decides to be honest. This decision leads to a positive outcome and reinforces the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing honesty in their daily interactions, such as admitting mistakes or telling the truth even when it's difficult, which helps in building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book illustrates the protagonist learning to understand and appreciate the differences among classmates, which enhances teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes inclusion and empathy in a child's interactions at school and in social settings, teaching them to value diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The significance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face various challenges but continue to try their best, showcasing the importance of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles whether in learning new skills, sports, or personal goals, which is crucial for lifelong resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The book portrays how friendships can provide support and joy, as the characters help each other in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop strong, supportive friendships and understand the importance of being a good friend in their own lives.