The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon (Black Lagoon Adventures)
#1 of 27 in Black Lagoon Adventures Series
What’s inside...
A new trade release of the hugely popular book club series by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee. These fun-filled chapter books mix school, monsters, and common kid problems with hilarious results. Oh, no! It's the class trip from the Black Lagoon. The kids have no idea where they're going but they imagine a day full of ferocious animals, maniacal monsters, and scary aerial acrobatics. And their teacher, mean Mrs. Green, is going to quiz them on everything! When the kids stop letting their imaginations run wild they soon realize that they're going to a very cool zoo. But that won't change the fact that there's never a dull moment in the Black Lagoon!
Character compass
Hubie
Mrs. Green
Discussion points
How do you think Hubie felt about going on his class trip? Can you relate to his feelings?
What was the most surprising thing that happened during the trip? Why do you think it was unexpected?
Which character would you like to be friends with from the story? What do you like about them?
How did the characters solve the problems they faced on their trip? What would you have done differently?
What lesson do you think Hubie learned by the end of the trip?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a memorable school trip you had, to create a common ground and encourage openness.
Ask questions that not only seek answers but also explanations, like 'Why do you think...?' to promote critical thinking.
Whenever your child answers a question, follow up with more queries that dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings to enhance empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book and their own life, which can help solidify understanding and personal connection to the story.
Praise your child's responses and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing their opinions and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Facing Fears
Explanation: The main character, Hubie, overcomes his nervousness about the class trip, which he imagines to be filled with all sorts of disasters. As the trip progresses, he realizes that his fears were exaggerated.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront and manage their own anxieties about new experiences or places, understanding that sometimes their imagination might make things seem scarier than they are.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the trip, Hubie and his classmates must work together during activities and help each other. This cooperation illustrates the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate and support their peers in school projects or group activities, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Hubie's class trip is full of educational experiences that pique the students' curiosity, from historical facts to nature exploration.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and enthusiastic about learning, understanding that education can be fun and occurs both inside and outside the classroom.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Hubie learns to adapt to unexpected situations during the trip, which doesn’t go exactly as planned, demonstrating flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible when faced with changes or unexpected outcomes in their everyday activities.