My Teacher Is an Alien

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 15 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what clues show that something is unusual about Mr. Smith, the new teacher? Which clue would make you the most suspicious, and why?
2. In Chapter 2, how does Susan feel about Mr. Smith and her class at school? Use details from the chapter to explain her feelings.
3. In Chapter 3, Susan notices more strange things about Mr. Smith. What does she discover, and how does it change what she thinks might be happening?
4. In Chapter 4, Peter acts like a bully, but he also becomes important to the story. How would you describe Peter at this point, and what do you think he might do next?
5. In Chapter 5, why is it hard for Susan to get other people to believe her? What would you do if you were in her place?
6. In Chapter 6, what does Susan learn when she investigates Mr. Smith more closely? How does this discovery raise the danger in the story?
7. In Chapter 7, the word “alien” can mean someone from another planet, but it can also mean someone who seems strange or different. How does this double meaning fit the story so far?
8. In Chapter 8, Susan and Peter have to work together even though they are not close friends. What makes teamwork difficult for them, and what makes it necessary?
9. In Chapter 9, what new information do Susan and Peter find out about Mr. Smith’s plan? How does this change the problem they must solve?
10. In Chapter 10, Duncan becomes part of the conflict in an important way. What does Duncan add to the story, and how is he different from Susan and Peter?
11. In Chapter 11, what do the alien characters seem to think about humans? Do you think their opinion is fair? Why or why not?
12. In Chapter 12, Susan has to be brave even though she is scared. What choice does she make, and what does it show about her character?
13. In Chapter 13, predict how Susan and her friends might stop Mr. Smith. What strengths or ideas could help them succeed?
14. In Chapter 14, what is the most exciting or tense moment in the chapter? Explain what made you feel that way as a reader.
15. In Chapter 15, what message do you think the author wants readers to understand about courage, friendship, or judging others? Use examples from the ending.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 2, how does Susan feel about Mr. Smith and her class at school? Use details from the chapter to explain her feelings.

I think Susan feels worried and confused because Mr. Smith does not act like a normal teacher. She notices things that other kids do not seem to care about, which makes her feel alone. I would feel nervous too if I thought an adult at school was hiding something strange. Susan is smart because she keeps paying attention instead of ignoring her feelings.

In Chapter 8, Susan and Peter have to work together even though they are not close friends. What makes teamwork difficult for them, and what makes it necessary?

Teamwork is difficult because Susan and Peter do not really trust each other at first. Peter has acted mean, so Susan has reasons to be careful around him. But they need each other because the problem with Mr. Smith is too big for one person to solve alone. This shows that people can work together when something important is at stake.

In Chapter 15, what message do you think the author wants readers to understand about courage, friendship, or judging others? Use examples from the ending.

I think the author wants readers to understand that courage means doing the right thing even when you are scared. Susan does not give up, and she learns that help can come from people she did not expect. The ending also shows that you should not judge someone only by how they seem at first. Friendship and bravery help the characters face a problem that is bigger than themselves.