The Clumsies Make a Mess
#5 of 6 in The Clumsies Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Brand NEW. We ship worldwide. Join Howard and the Clumsies as they head to the seaside for a 'conference' that the Clumsies see as a 'holiday'. Will Howard impress his boss Mr Bullerton, get to the hotel on time, and will the trip be incident-free? Not likely. With sandcastles, talking donkeys, and a runaway supermarket, this clumsy adventure is filled with hilarity.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the Clumsies to cause so much chaos?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork or friendship?
Can you think of a time when you turned a mistake into something positive, like the Clumsies?
What would you do if the Clumsies visited our house?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use playful and imaginative scenarios to discuss the quirky antics of the Clumsies. Emphasize the importance of understanding and managing unintended consequences. Relate real-life home scenarios to the story, allowing children to connect their experiences with those of the characters. Encourage creative problem-solving by asking how they would handle similar situations in a fun and constructive way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Clumsies Make a Mess,' the characters often find themselves in tricky situations due to lack of responsibility. The story illustrates the consequences of neglecting duties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible for their actions and their consequences, such as completing homework or chores on time and caring for their belongings.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters must work together to solve problems and clean up messes they've created, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to cooperate with others, whether it is during school projects, sports teams, or family activities, highlighting how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The Clumsies often come up with imaginative solutions to fix their mishaps. This element of the story emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their creativity to overcome challenges in their studies or personal life, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The narrative gently teaches that it's okay to make mistakes as long as one learns from them. Each mishap in the book provides a learning opportunity for the characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson reassures children that mistakes are a part of learning and growing. It encourages them to try new things without the fear of failure and to learn from the outcomes.
Example Lesson: Humor and Joy
Explanation: The humorous tone of 'The Clumsies Make a Mess' makes the reading experience enjoyable and teaches children that humor can be a useful way to cope with mishaps.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach life's little troubles with a positive attitude, finding joy and laughter even in mishaps, which can help develop resilience.