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Big Dog... Little Dog
Last updated Sunday, June 4, 2023
Author: P.D. Eastman
Illustrator: Peter Anthony Eastman
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0375822976
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2023
Synopsis:
Meet best friends Fred (Big Dog) and Ted (Little Dog) in P. D. Eastman’s classic Beginner Book. Though one is big and one is little, and one loves green and one loves red, these pup pals - along with their helpful acquaintance, Bird - prove that opposites can be the very best of friends.
| Note to readers: |
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This is a very simple short book. Take your time with conversations on some pages. For
example, Are you more like Ted or Fred (green or red, hot or cold)?
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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People who are very different can be good friends. Do you have friends who like
different things or look very different?
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Explain the meaning of “opposite” (big/little, wet/dry, up/down). Is one always better than
the other? Can they think of more examples?
Vocabulary:
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Small talk: Chatting about easy things like the weather. (“Tall talk” might mean
discussing something more interesting and personal.)
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Cozy: comfortable
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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The flute and tuba are musical instruments that both make music by blowing, but they look and sound very different. Can you demonstrate the sounds?
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What’s your favorite food? Do your friends like different foods?
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Why is Fred’s car green and Ted’s car red? What color would you like for a car?
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Read the signs at the crossroads. Which way would each of them choose?
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Why were Fred and Ted uncomfortable in their beds? Did they have different needs? How did the bird solve the problem?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2023-friendship-fun/
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Make a dog puppet from a paper bag. Cut shapes for the ears, chest and tail. Add
googly eyes!
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Use half a paper plate to make a doggie mask.
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Ask each child to pick one color crayon and draw something. Then put all the choices in the center so they can use them all. Do they like the drawing with different colors better?
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Cut paper or paper plate into a cloud shape and write their name on it. Make strips of color coming from the cloud, with each one describing or illustrating something about them: their favorite things, their pets’ names, what they like to do. Each one will be
different.
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Make a mobile from a paper plate with strings coming from it. On each string, attach a drawing or word that describes them.
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| Special activities: |
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Go around the group and ask about each child’s favorite color, sport, food, music … Note that they don’t have to agree on any of those things to be friends.
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Ted and Fred rhyme. Can they think of other words that sound like them? (red, said, Ned, bed, fed, head …)
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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