Clark The Shark
What’s inside...
"Clark The Shark" deals with bullying, which is a worldwide problem and can lead to negative consequences. In hopes that young children, kindergarten and pre-school will learn, before they enter an advanced school environment, to accept other children as individuals and learn from "Clark The Shark" to treat others the way they would like to be treated. The effort to "prevent", rather than "treat", should be the focus by developing cultural competency strategies, skills and programs that inclusively enhance healthy communication and relationship building. Also, creating and sustaining a healthier social climate in schools and youth-centered environments, implementing prevention and intervention strategies, which have been shown to yield tangible, lasting benefits for individuals, families, schools and communities. Enjoy with each turn of the page.
Why read this book
- Engaging story teaches important social skills.
- Lively illustrations capture children's interest.
- Encourages empathy and understanding among peers.
- Ideal for group reading and family discussions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Clark the Shark learned about making friends?
How do you feel when someone is too loud or too quiet around you?
Why is it important to respect other people's feelings?
What are some ways Clark could show he cares about his friends' feelings?
Can you think of a time when you had to change your behavior to help a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal examples of similar situations you've encountered to make the discussion relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book, affirming their opinions to foster open communication.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding, tying it back to the story's themes and characters.
Connect the story to real-life scenarios your child might face involving friendship and social interactions.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, boosting their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-control
Explanation: Clark the Shark learns the importance of controlling his impulses and enthusiasm to understand and respect the personal space and feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to regulate their behaviors in social settings, ensuring they are considerate of their friends' and peers' boundaries.
Example Lesson: Adapting to social norms
Explanation: Throughout the book, Clark discovers how to adapt his behavior to fit in better with his school peers and respect classroom rules.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of observing and adapting to rules and behaviors expected in different social environments like school, library, or public places.
Example Lesson: Friendship and empathy
Explanation: Clark shows empathy by noticing how his actions affect others and makes changes to be a better friend.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of empathy and consideration, understanding how their actions impact others, and fostering stronger, respectful relationships.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Clark makes mistakes but uses them as learning opportunities, which helps him grow and improve.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to see mistakes as part of learning and growth, helping them to not be discouraged by setbacks and to keep striving for better.
Example Lesson: Joy in learning
Explanation: The character’s enthusiasm for school and learning is contagious, showing kids that learning can be enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to approach education with a positive attitude, seeing school as a fun and exciting opportunity to gain new knowledge.