Clarice Bean, Scram!
#3 of 9 in Clarice Bean Series
on Goodreads (130)
What’s inside...
When a stray dog follows Clarice Bean home, she realizes it's up to her to take care of him. Now, she must find a way to keep him a secret from her family. Amidst sweltering heat and boredom, Clarice faces trouble from her sister, who has the roller skates she desperately wants. As she navigates sibling rivalry and the challenges of caring for the dog, Clarice learns important lessons about responsibility and reconciliation.
Discussion points
How do you think Clarice Bean felt when everything was going wrong? Can you think of a time when you felt the same?
What are some ways Clarice tried to solve her problems? Do you think those were good solutions?
Why is teamwork important in solving problems, as seen in the book?
What did you learn from the story about handling unexpected situations?
How would you have handled the situations Clarice encountered differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's feelings and thoughts as they answer the questions, showing empathy and understanding to create a safe space for discussion.
Use examples from the book to guide the conversation, helping the child recall specific events and their implications.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how different actions might have changed the outcome of the story.
Link the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas, fostering a positive environment that promotes a love for reading and discussing literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and teamwork
Explanation: In 'Clarice Bean, Scram!' Clarice and her brother work together to tackle the messy challenge of cleaning their granddad’s house, demonstrating the strength and support family members can provide for each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperation and helping within the family, which can foster stronger family bonds and teach responsibility through shared tasks.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Clarice uses her unique, imaginative approach to turn the daunting task of cleaning into a fun adventure, showing that creativity can make difficult tasks more manageable and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to transform mundane tasks or challenges into creative endeavors, making problem-solving an engaging learning experience.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite the overwhelming task ahead, Clarice does not give up. Her determination to clean and organize her granddad’s house highlights the importance of persisting through challenging moments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of determination and hard work, skills that are essential when facing any of life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Clarice learns to understand her granddad’s attachment to his possessions and memories, showing empathy for his feelings and thoughts.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy by considering others' feelings and perspectives, crucial for building respectful and understanding relationships.