Clark the Shark is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Clark the Shark" by Bruce Hale tells the story of a boisterous shark named Clark who loves to have fun and play with his friends. However, his enthusiasm sometimes gets him into trouble, as he tends to be too loud and too rough. As Clark struggles to fit in with his classmates, his teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him understand the importance of self-control and empathy. With Mrs. Inkydink's guidance, Clark learns to tone down his exuberance and respect the personal space and feelings of others. Through colorful illustrations and playful rhymes, "Clark the Shark" teaches young readers valuable lessons about friendship, manners, and finding a balance between being true to oneself and being considerate of others.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Introduce and act out action verbs.
- Complete a mini lesson on synonyms.
- Discuss impulse control strategies students can use independently.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Shark Lady by Jess Keating
- The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
- Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
