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About the Book     Cheaper by the Dozen

Cheaper By the Dozen is a biographical novel that chronicles the lives of the Gilbreth family, specifically highlighting Frank Bunker Gilbreth Sr., an efficiency expert, his wife Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and their twelve children. The story is set in the early 20th century and provides a humorous and heartfelt look at the unconventional family dynamics and innovative parenting techniques employed by Frank and Lillian.

Frank Sr. applies his principles of industrial engineering and efficiency to the family’s daily routines, turning even mundane activities into opportunities for learning and optimization. From timed bathroom routines to synchronized meal preparations, the Gilbreth household operates like a well-oiled machine. Despite the regimented lifestyle, the narrative is filled with love, laughter, and the inevitable chaos that comes with raising twelve children.

The book is a collection of vignettes, each illustrating different aspects of the family's life, from road trips and family meetings to educational pursuits and everyday mishaps. Through these stories, readers gain insight into the unique personalities of the Gilbreth children and the ingenuity of their parents.

Themes in the book Cheaper by the Dozen

Efficiency and Innovation: A dominant theme in the book is the application of efficiency and innovation to everyday life. Frank Sr.’s experiments with time and motion studies, originally intended for industrial settings, are adapted to the family environment. This theme can inspire discussions about the balance between efficiency and spontaneity in both personal and professional spheres.

Family Dynamics and Parenting: The book delves deeply into the complexities of family dynamics and parenting. The Gilbreths’ unconventional approach raises questions about discipline, education, and the role of parents in shaping their children’s futures. This theme is particularly pertinent for discussions on parenting styles and the impact of familial relationships on individual development.

Resilience and Adaptability: Throughout the narrative, the Gilbreth family faces numerous challenges, from societal expectations to personal tragedies. Their resilience and adaptability highlight the importance of perseverance and flexibility in overcoming obstacles. This theme encourages students to reflect on their own experiences with adversity and growth.

Humor and Humanity: Despite the focus on efficiency, the book is imbued with humor and humanity. The light-hearted anecdotes and witty observations remind readers of the importance of joy and laughter in navigating the complexities of life. This theme can be used to explore the role of humor in storytelling and its impact on readers.

Activity Ideas    for the book Cheaper by the Dozen

Efficiency Experiments: Conduct classroom experiments based on Frank Sr.’s time and motion studies. Have students identify a routine task (e.g., organizing their desks, completing a homework assignment) and apply principles of efficiency to optimize it. Encourage students to document their processes and results, and discuss the balance between efficiency and effectiveness.

Creative Writing: Invite students to write their own vignettes inspired by Cheaper By the Dozen. They can choose events from their own lives, incorporating elements of humor, innovation, and resilience. This activity encourages creative expression and helps students connect with the book's themes on a personal level.

Historical Context: Explore the historical context of the early 20th century and its influence on the Gilbreth family’s lifestyle. Discuss the advancements in industrial engineering and the evolving societal norms of the time. Students can research and present on topics such as the history of time and motion studies, the impact of technology on family life, and the changing roles of women in society.

Film Comparison: Screen the 1950 and 2003 film adaptations of Cheaper By the Dozen and compare them to the book. Have students analyze the differences and similarities in character portrayal, plot development, and thematic emphasis. This activity can lead to discussions about the translation of literature to film and the choices directors make in adapting stories for the screen.