Miss Nelson is Missing discusses many philosophical
themes which include identity, repect, fear, power, and deception. The
question sets encourage children to explore: what is respect and who
deserves respect; what is fear and what are we afraid of; what is it
to have power and do people need power; and whether it is ok to deceive.
In the story, the teacher, Miss Nelson,
has trouble controlling her classroom. To get the children to behave
she disguises herself and comes in as a strict substitute teacher.
The students do not misbehave in the presence of the substitute.
When Miss Nelson returns back to the classroom the children are so
thankful for having her back and they behave in a positive manner.
Respect is one of the first themes mentioned
in the story. Respect is of great importance in everyday life. As
children we are taught to respect teachers, parents, elders, school
rules, family and cultural traditions, and other people's feelings
and rights. It is hard to specify what respect is. These questions
help students to explore what is involved in respecting others and
oneself. The discussion will bring up the issue of whether we respect
someone because of their title or position. Do we respect people
like our teachers because we are told to even if how we were brought
up does not agree with their actions or beliefs? These questions
also ask if showing respect just means doing the appropriate action
or if intent must be known to determine if an action is respectful
(this ties into the fear question). They also bring up the issue
if respect is a right or an honor.
Fear is another theme in the
story. The children are encouraged to discuss what they are afraid
of and why, and also how they are able to overcome
that fear. Discussing the theme of fear among children may lead to
an interesting conversation about whether one action done out of
fear is different than doing the same action out of respect. Do
children respect who they are told to respect because they are afraid
of what will happen if they are disrespectful? Iis it still respect
if the behavior is out of fear? The discussion will also include
whether or not we can tell if someone is afraid by their appearance
and actions. Some children may say that if you are afraid it will
always show on the outside and some may say that you can be afraid
in the inside and not show it. Some may also say that because you
have a reaction to an event your body reacts to the event and
causes you to be afraid. This may lead to whether our physical
response causes fear or if fear causes our physical response. Is
it is better to show that you are afraid or not to show that you
are
afraid? If you don't show that you are afraid
are you still afraid? Is it ok to use
one's fear to achieve a good end? Does the end justify the means?
Power is a theme mentioned in the story.
Miss Nelson loses control of her class and, therefore, does not have
any power over the children. The questions will engage the children
in a discussion concerning the meaning of power, whether we need
power,
and how do you gain and lose power. Power can be given to us and
can also be taken away. This topic also asks if we have control over
any power that we have and if it is ever better to let others have
power over you. Children are always asked to give the power they
have to grown ups and it is important to ask them why that is happening.
Can power ever be achieved if those that are under it truly don't
want it? Do we have power because we are respected? Discussing these
questions will give the students some understanding of what it is
to have power.
The last two themes of identity and deception
somewhat tie together in the story. Miss Nelson changes her identity
and deceives the children. Identity also ties in with the previous
themes of respect and power. Do people change who they are to gain
acceptance, respect, and power? Can we change our identity and be
the same person or are we different? What defines our identity? Are
there essential parts that makes us who we are? If you change everything
about yourself are you the same or a new person?
Identity ties into deception because Miss
Nelson tricks her children into believing something. Is this the
same as deception? For example, what if a friend lied to you for
your own good? Is it ever ok to not tell the truth or trick someone?
Is a trick the same as lying?
Continue
to question set for this story
