Barney: Follow Me!
Barney Series
What’s inside...
With lyrical text, 'Follow Me' is a board book that centers around movement and motion as Barney the purple dinosaur encourages his fans to join in and move along with him. This book introduces a new series of board books aimed at the developmental stages and milestones of Barney's audience. The series is built on five essential building blocks--sharing, caring, imagining, dancing, and learning--which together provide the developmental skills children need during their formative years. Barney serves as a trusted friend and a valuable resource for growing children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
6 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Barney
Discussion points
What do you think Barney was feeling when he asked his friends to follow him?
Why is it important to take turns while playing games?
How do you think the game would change if someone else was the leader?
What are some ways you can be a good friend like Barney?
Can you think of a new game to play with your friends, just like Barney did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child to predict what might happen based on the cover and title.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions during the story.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times they have played with friends.
Ask your child to think of ways they can be leaders or followers in different situations, reinforcing positive behaviors.
Celebrate your child’s responses and ideas, making the discussion a fun and inclusive activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Initiative
Explanation: In 'Barney: Follow Me!', Barney takes the lead in guiding his friends on an adventure. His proactive approach demonstrates leadership qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking initiative in group activities or projects at school, showing leadership among peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Barney and his friends work together to overcome obstacles. This collaboration highlights the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cooperate with others in classroom tasks or during team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Barney's adventure is driven by a sense of curiosity, encouraging readers to explore and learn about their surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore their own environments, whether it's a backyard or a local park, fostering a love for discovery.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: As Barney leads the way, his friends follow the instructions he gives. This teaches the importance of listening and following directions.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in educational settings where following instructions from teachers is essential for learning and safety.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The book portrays learning through adventure as something enjoyable, which can help foster a positive attitude towards acquiring new knowledge.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to perceive learning as a fun and engaging activity, not a chore, enhancing their educational journey.