Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom
#4 of 4 in Wayside School Series
What’s inside...
In an oddball school where the classrooms are stacked on top of one another, the students and teachers of Wayside School are preparing for the Ultimate Test. But a mysterious cloud of doom looms over the school, threatening to unleash a swarm of dastardly creatures. Wayside School is back in session in this brand-new, fourth installment in the perennially beloved and bestselling series by Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar. Your favorite students and teachers are all here. That includes Sharie, who loves her striped-and-spotted umbrella more than anything; Kathy, who has a bad case of oppositosis; Jason, who has to read the longest book in the world; and the rest of Mrs. Jewls’s class on the thirtieth floor, who are busily collecting toenail clippings. Everyone is scrambling to prepare for the all-important Ultimate Test, but meanwhile, there is a mysterious Cloud of Doom looming above them. More than fifteen million readers have laughed at the clever and hilarious stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School! Kids 7 to 13 will zoom through these chapter books—laughing their way through the fast, funny, silly but relatable stories. This funny chapter book series includes:
Character compass
Todd
Mrs. Jewls
Principal Kidswatter
Discussion points
What do you think the 'Cloud of Doom' represents in the story?
How do the characters in 'Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom' handle their fears and challenges?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How do you think the story would change if the 'Cloud of Doom' suddenly disappeared?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Use open-ended questions to spark deeper conversation. Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child might face to enhance empathy and understanding. Discuss the problem-solving and coping strategies used by the characters to navigate their challenges. Highlight the importance of teamwork and friendship as depicted in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book showcases characters understanding and accepting each other’s unique quirks and fears, particularly when they come together to support a classmate who is scared of the impending doom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of empathizing with their peers, recognizing that everyone has their own fears and struggles, and the value of offering support.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The students of Wayside School work together to solve problems caused by the mysterious cloud, demonstrating the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value teamwork in school projects or group activities, showing that collective problem-solving often leads to better solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters confront their fears directly, learning to cope with their anxieties about the cloud of doom.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and the role resilience plays in overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The unique and surreal environment of Wayside School fosters a sense of creativity among the students, as they navigate unusual situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination to think outside the box and approach problems in innovative ways.