All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things

Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 1986

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

“Perspective”- “Racoons”

“Larry Walters”-“Taxi”

“Summer Job”-“Testing”

“Buffalo Tavern”-“Near-Death Experience”

“Mushrooms”-“Secret Anniversaries-January”

“High School Reunion”-“Coda”

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten was written more than 30 years ago. How do Fulghum’s lessons stand up to the challenges of life in the 2020s, including technological advancements, social changes, and global issues? In your answer, choose two essays to reconsider from the vantage point of the present.

How does Fulghum’s work reflect on American culture? Analyze specific stories from the book that discuss cultural norms, values, or criticisms.

Discuss how Fulghum views the relationship between humans and their environment. What lessons does he suggest we can learn from nature?