The Dunderheads (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
The Dunderheads Series
What’s inside...
Miss Breakbone, a strict school mistress, despises children and often makes them cry by confiscating their belongings. One day, she takes it too far by confiscating a one-eyed cat that a student, Junkyard, planned to give to his mother. In response, the students, who each have unique and extraordinary talents, band together to break into Miss Breakbone's house to retrieve the cat. This story highlights the power of teamwork and the importance of standing up against injustice.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Miss Breakbone a challenging teacher, and how do the Dunderheads deal with her?
Why do you think teamwork is important, as shown by the Dunderheads in their mission?
How do different characters use their unique skills to solve problems? Can you think of a skill you have that helps solve problems like they did?
What would you have done if you were part of the Dunderheads? Would you have a special role?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the different characters and their unique traits. Ask them which character they relate to the most and why.
Discuss the theme of resilience and overcoming obstacles. Highlight how each Dunderhead contributes to the team, promoting the value of diverse abilities and teamwork.
Use specific scenes from the book to ask your child how they would feel or react in similar situations, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Dunderheads,' a group of students with unique talents work together to outsmart their tyrannical teacher. This demonstrates the power of collaboration and using individual strengths to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or projects at school, learning how to value each team member’s contributions, and understanding that working together can lead to great achievements.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The characters in 'The Dunderheads' use their unique abilities creatively to overcome challenges posed by their teacher. This illustrates the importance of thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their daily challenges, whether it’s finding a new way to complete a task or coming up with solutions during conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing a difficult and unfair teacher, the children in 'The Dunderheads' persevere and do not give up. This highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining determination when faced with tough situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and persistent whether they are dealing with academic challenges, sports, or any personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Recognizing individual strengths
Explanation: Each child in 'The Dunderheads' has a unique talent that contributes to their collective success. The story showcases how recognizing and embracing individual differences can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to discover and nurture their own unique skills and talents, and to appreciate the differences in others.
Example Lesson: Standing up against injustice
Explanation: The students in 'The Dunderheads' stand up against their unreasonable teacher, demonstrating moral courage. This teaches the importance of standing up for what is right, even in daunting situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to speak up against unfairness whether in their own lives or when they see others being treated unjustly, fostering a sense of justice and moral responsibility.