Book: Go Dog Go
Author: P.D. Eastman
Age recommendation: 4-8
Book Synopsis (via Amazon):
Life lessons? Romance? Literary instruction? Go, Dog. Go! offers all this and more, wrapped up in one simply worded, warmly hued package. Using single-syllable words in rhythmic repetition, and introducing colors and prepositions, this Seuss-styled classic has been an early favorite of children since 1961. For those looking for deeper meaning in a beginning reader book, here you’ll find nothing less than a microcosm of life. Green dogs, yellow dogs, big dogs, little dogs. Dogs who prefer cars, dogs who favor skis. All represent the diversity a child will find in the world. And the slow-to-bud romance between the cheerfully oblivious yellow dog and the mincing pink poodle explains more succinctly than most self-help books what goes on in many grown-up relationships. Nonetheless, Eastman takes the concept of “primary” to heart, with his simple silly phrases and solidly colored illustrations. Not only will this book inspire peals of laughter in kids, it will also help them make the magical connection between those mysterious black squiggles on the page, and the words they hear and speak. (Ages 4 to 8) –This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
Purchase HERE.
Lessons using Go Dog Go as the theme:
Language:
Rhythm
Rhyme
One syllable words
Color words
Prepositions
Letter focus
Activity Ideas:
Focus on letter “D” and have your child pick out the letter “D” throughout the book. Using foam letters have your child practice recognizing the letter “D”. To reinforce recognition and to encourage penmanship have your child begin to write the letter.
Teach your child rhythm using drum sticks or other simple musical instruments you have or can make. You can make tambourines easily by placing beans or beads on a paper plate and topping it with another paper plate and staple all around to hold in place. Practice mimicking rhythm.
Rhyming is a fun way to encourage phonetic awareness. Pick out the rhyming words in the story and write them on a dry erase board. Go over the words and ask your child which other words would rhyme. Using index cards you can write down the rhyming words along with a picture you print out or draw. Now, play memory by matching the rhyming words.
Preposition is a big word but a small concept and easy to teach to little ones. Simply get a doll or stuffed animal and place it on, above, beneath, between objects. Ask the child is the doll between or below the object, etc. Here is a list of prepositions you can work with.
Using construction paper and stencils, trace the color word associated with the colored piece of paper on the paper. Cut out and paste on a white piece of paper. You may want to attach images of items that are the same color.