Edward the Boston Terrier is definitely a “city dog”. His visit to his relatives in the country, proves to be more than a little entertaining. This book has a simple story that could stand on its own.  It’s the illustrations that will grab you and your child from the very first page. Spend lots of time discussing what you see. Each turn of the page offers something interesting to discuss. Edward is truly a fish out of water that finds himself in many hilarious predicaments during his visit at what truly becomes a Funny Farm.

Additional Learning Resources
                                                             $2.99. (download and print)

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 ​​ While this page contains a lot of great information, you're just a quick download away from even more great ideas and materials designed to help your child foster an early love of learning. Each title's downloadable file includes printable vocabulary flashcards,  ideas for multiple ways in which to use the flashcards, a shared writing activity, a story elements  learning page and ideas for extending the learning beyond your home. Additionally, each bundle also includes printable versions of elements already included on this page.
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​                   Click HERE to view a sample of what's included in each bundle.

​Check for Understanding

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Here are a few great questions to get you started. A complete list of questions is included in the resource bundle.
Ask these questions as you read or after each reading. Some of the questions are open-ended which can lead to valuable discussions. Take the time to listen and respect your child’s point of view.
  1. Do you think Edward has ever fed a pig? Why? What do you think the pigs might be thinking?
  2. Would you rather be inside during the rain or outside?
  3. What do you think about dinner on the farm? What do you notice about Edward’s plate? Why is he so hungry?

    ​​Purchase  this title's Read it Again Resources Bundle for additional questions.

Vocabulary Words

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Children use the words they hear and understand to later make sense of the words they later see in print when they begin to read. Research tells us that a larger vocabulary gives a child a huge advantage in school.

Purchase this title's Read it Again Resources Bundle to receive printable flashcards of  the words listed below along with a wide variety of ideas for using your flash cards to increase your child's vocabulary.
garden
knit
paint
rain
sheep 
cow
dog
barn
pig
eggs
milk
dance

Websites

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I'm not a fan of  "screen time", but if your child is going to be online, try to connect what's being viewed, with what's being read. Extend the learning beyond the book by checking out a few of this great "farm themed" sites.

Farm Animals Game 
Pig Video
Cow Video
Goat Video
Horse Video
Dog Video
Farmera (will require a parent's help)
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Watch & Learn

Click below to watch a YouTube video containing tips on reading this book with your child. You'll learn where in the story to ask great questions and how to introduce new words. The video also shares ideas for taking the learning beyond the book.

 Art 

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Make a Scarecrow
This Cardboard Scarecrow Craft from Toddler Approved is sure to be a hit. Before embarking on this art adventure, spend some time discussing the role of a scarecrow on a farm.
Have fun with your child as you design a scarecrow for the  farm!

Cooking Together

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Haystacks
You don't need a pitch fork to make these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Haystacks! These amazing cookies pile the flavors of peanut butter, butterscotch, and mini-marshmallows into a crunchy chow mein noodle "stack!"
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​4 tablespoons - butter or margarine, divided
2 1/2 cups - mini-marshmallows
1 - (5 oz) can chow mein noodles (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup - butterscotch chips
3 tablespoons - milk
1/4 cup - confectioners’ Sugar
1/4 cup - creamy peanut butter

Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Lightly grease paper; set aside.
In large saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons butter and marshmallows. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add the noodles and toss with a fork until coated. Drops spoonfuls of the noodle mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
Place the butterscotch chips and remaining butter in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute or until melted. Remove from microwave and add remaining ingredients. Stir until smooth.(If sauce is too thick to drizzle add more milk, a teaspoon at a time.)

Drizzle butterscotch sauce over the haystacks. Place in the refrigerator to harden.

Educational Playthings

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Adding an element of play is a great way to deepen the understanding of concepts they learned within the story.

Why I Love This Toy:
  • no batteries
  • encourages imaginative play
  • teaches the alphabet
Click HERE or on the image to purchase from Amazon. Be sure to note the age recommendations before making your purchase.
*Note that this site uses affiliate links. If you buy something through one of my links, you won't pay a penny more,but I'll make a small commission which helps keep the lights on.  
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald