Clifford Makes the Team (Scholastic Reader, Level 1)
Clifford the Big Red Dog Series
on Goodreads (136)
What’s inside...
Clifford the big red dog wants to play baseball with the boys and girls, but he cannot find a big enough bat. A brand-new, original Clifford early reader!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Clifford felt when he tried to join the team? Have you ever felt similar?
What are some ways Clifford showed teamwork in the story?
Why do you think teamwork is important when playing sports or games?
How did Clifford's friends help him and how did he help them?
What would you have done if you were in Clifford’s position?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you were part of a team, emphasizing feelings and outcomes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about teamwork, drawing parallels to their own experiences in school or with friends.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen the conversation and understanding of the themes.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and ideas, reinforcing positive communication and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In the story, Clifford joins a baseball team and learns how to work together with his teammates, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: Clifford faces challenges due to his size but finds ways to adapt and contribute positively to the team, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to tackle personal challenges they face, whether in learning new skills or making friends, and find creative ways to overcome them.
Example Lesson: The Value of Inclusion
Explanation: Despite initial doubts from others, Clifford is included in the team and ends up playing a crucial role, highlighting the benefits of including everyone regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inclusive and accepting of their peers' differences in school and other social settings, fostering a more harmonious community.
Example Lesson: Practicing Patience
Explanation: Throughout the game, Clifford demonstrates patience both with his own learning curve and with his teammates, showing that patience is integral to teamwork and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be patient when learning something new or when dealing with others, understanding that progress and relationships take time.