Barney Goes to the Horse Show
What’s inside...
Barney is going to the big horse show. He and Joy Rose are nervous but excited for their first big show together. They have been practicing all year for this. Will they do well? Will they win? Find out in this sweet story about the partnership between a girl and her horse.
Age
6-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Barney felt when he first saw the horses at the show?
Why do you think teamwork is important in a horse show?
How do you think the horses feel when they are being ridden?
What was your favorite part of the horse show and why?
If you could talk to Barney, what advice would you give him for his next horse show?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Barney's shoes to help them understand the character's emotions and actions.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and how it is portrayed in the story, relating it to daily life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to describe what they would do if they were at a horse show, which can help enhance their imagination and narrative skills.
After reading, consider watching a real horse show online or attending one in person to reinforce the themes discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Barney learns to work together with other characters to prepare for the horse show, highlighting the importance of collaboration to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Barney takes care of his horse and is diligent in his preparations for the show, demonstrating accountability and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of daily chores and taking care of their possessions or pets.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Barney is initially nervous about participating in the horse show, but he manages to overcome his fears, showing resilience and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to facing their own fears, such as trying out new activities or overcoming anxiety about school presentations.
Example Lesson: The Value of Practice
Explanation: The story shows that Barney's success in the horse show comes from consistent practice and dedication, emphasizing that perseverance leads to improvement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of regular practice in any skill they wish to improve, be it academic subjects, arts, or sports.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Barney shows good sportsmanship during the event, whether he wins or loses, stressing the importance of being a gracious competitor.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children to apply in real life by showing respect and kindness to peers, regardless of the outcome of any competitive scenario.