Clarence, Santa's Clumsiest Reindeer
What’s inside...
On Christmas Eve, Clarence, one of Santa's reindeer, had nothing to do. Clarence was a little odd and clumsy compared to Santa's other reindeer. Clarence wanted something special to do, but what? The story goes on to tell what a wonderful gift he gave to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. He made their holiday full of great cheer!
Age
2-12
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Clarence special, even though he is clumsy?
How do you think the other reindeer felt when Clarence made mistakes?
What would you do if you were Santa to help Clarence feel more confident?
Can you think of a time when you felt clumsy or made mistakes? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to give everyone a chance, even if they're not perfect at something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to encourage open expression, ensuring the child feels comfortable sharing thoughts.
Relate the questions to personal experiences or similar situations the child might have encountered, to help them connect with Clarence's story.
Praise the child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Listen actively and show genuine interest in the child’s responses, fostering a supportive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Imperfections
Explanation: Clarence, despite being the clumsiest reindeer, plays a crucial role in saving Christmas. This shows that everyone has unique strengths, even if they have flaws.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept their imperfections and understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute, fostering a positive self-image and resilience.
Example Lesson: The Power of Teamwork
Explanation: Clarence's successful mission is a result of teamwork with other reindeers and elves, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and how working together can help solve difficult problems, applicable in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence Pays Off
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, Clarence’s persistence in aiding Santa showcases that perseverance leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of not giving up in the face of challenges, be it learning a new skill or dealing with daily obstacles.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: Santa and the other reindeer's supportive approach towards Clarence's clumsiness teaches the importance of empathy and encouragement.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be more understanding and supportive of their peers who might be different or facing difficulties, promoting an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, Clarence learns from his blunders, improving his skills and eventually succeeding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to view mistakes as learning opportunities, enhancing their problem-solving skills and adapting positively to setbacks.