Counting Sheep
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
This passage discusses the various instances in which counting plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from setting the table to managing livestock on a farm. It highlights the importance of counting in ensuring that we have enough resources or that everyone is accounted for. The story also introduces a farmer who needs help counting his sheep to ensure their safety, allowing him to rest easy.
Age
0-12
Length
52 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the sheep felt when they were being counted? Can you imagine how it feels to be in their place?
What are some ways the sheep tried to help the main character fall asleep? Which way do you think was the most effective and why?
What other methods could the main character have used to fall asleep? Can you think of any new ones?
Why do you think counting sheep is a popular method for falling asleep? Does it work for everyone?
If you were to write a story about helping someone fall asleep, what characters or methods would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking them to use their imagination to provide alternative endings or additional scenarios.
Discuss the concept of empathy by asking how they would feel in the shoes of the main character or the sheep.
Use the story as an opportunity to talk about bedtime routines and the importance of good sleep hygiene, relating it back to methods discussed in the book.
Create a dialogue around problem-solving by discussing different strategies the characters used and brainstorming new ones with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Counting Sheep', the characters learn to wait patiently for the sheep to jump over the fence, teaching children the value of patience as they count.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing patience in real-life situations such as waiting their turn while playing games with friends or waiting for food at the table.
Example Lesson: The concept of numbers and counting
Explanation: Through repetitive counting of sheep, the book reinforces the concept of numbers and sequential order, enhancing early math skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children with number recognition and order which can be applied in daily activities like counting toys, steps, or organizing their belongings by number.
Example Lesson: Understanding teamwork
Explanation: The sheep must work together to jump over the fence successfully, illustrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can implement this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals with peers.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: The protagonist encourages the sheep not to give up. This narrative instills the value of perseverance despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to continue trying in tasks like learning a new skill or completing a challenging puzzle, even when it might feel difficult.
Example Lesson: Developing problem-solving skills
Explanation: Characters in the book face the challenge of getting all the sheep to jump over the fence, which teaches children how to think critically and solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles in their lives, such as resolving conflicts with friends or figuring out how to complete a new task, with a problem-solving mindset.