Materials Needed:
- The book: "I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words" by Michael Frith
- Index cards or small pieces of paper
- Markers or crayons
- A favorite stuffed animal (optional, to act as the 'dog')
- Small treats or stickers for rewards (optional)
Lesson Activities:
Warm-up (5 mins):
Let's get ready to read! Do you have a pet? What tricks can they do? Today we're reading about someone who wants to teach their dog lots of words! Can you imagine teaching a dog words?
Reading Time! (10-15 mins):
Let's read "I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words" together! Snuggle up. As we read, listen carefully to all the words the person wants to teach their dog. Point to the words as I read them if you can!
Read the book aloud with enthusiasm. Pause at different words the dog learns (like 'eat', 'ball', 'bed', 'kiss me'). Point to the words and pictures.
Activity 1: Word Hunt! (10 mins):
Wow, that dog learned so many words! Let's see if we can find some of them. I'll say a word from the book, and you try to find it on the page!
Choose 3-5 simple words from the book (e.g., dog, ball, dig, bed, kiss). Write each word clearly on an index card. Show the card, say the word, and help the student find it in the book.
Activity 2: Rhyme Time Fun! (5-10 mins):
This book has rhyming words! Rhyming words sound the same at the end. Let's listen: 'Teach' and 'speech'. Do they rhyme? Yes! Can we find other rhymes?
Look for simple rhymes in the book (e.g., 'tree'/'bee', 'read'/'bed') or make up simple rhymes with words from the book (What rhymes with 'dog'? Log! Fog!).
Activity 3: Teach Your 'Dog'! (10 mins):
Now it's your turn to be the teacher! Let's pretend this stuffed animal (or draw a picture of a dog) is YOUR dog. Use our word cards. Can you 'teach' your dog the words? Show the card, say the word clearly, and maybe even act it out!
Encourage the student to hold up the flashcards made earlier and say the words to their 'dog'. Offer praise for trying.
Wrap-up (5 mins):
You did an amazing job reading and learning new words today, just like the person teaching their dog! What was your favorite word the dog learned? Can you remember three words we talked about today?
Review a few key words. Praise the student's participation and effort. Give a sticker or small reward if using them.