Dog-Gone School
on Goodreads (94)
What’s inside...
This photographic book of school-themed poems is sure to delight dog lovers and poetry fans alike. As they did in the companion title, Loose Leashes, this husband-and-wife team combine his photographs with her poetry for a whimsical marriage of images and words.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the school day in the book, and why?
How did the characters in the book show kindness or help each other?
If you were a character in 'Dog-Gone School', which one would you want to be and what would you do?
What do you think the dogs learned at the end of their school day?
How would you make a new student at school feel welcome, like the dogs in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking them to draw a scene they liked and explain it.
Relate the book’s setting to your child’s school experience to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what's happening and how the characters might be feeling.
After reading the book, ask your child to think of a mini-story for what might happen the next school day for the dogs.
Promote empathy by discussing the emotions of various characters throughout the book and ask how your child might feel in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Dog-Gone School' collaborate on various school projects, demonstrating how working together can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in school during group activities or sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book features dogs of various breeds and sizes, teaching children to appreciate and embrace differences among peers.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to their interactions with diverse classmates and learn to be inclusive and respectful of others' uniqueness.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: The story emphasizes the excitement and benefits of learning new things at school, instilling a positive attitude towards education.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be enthusiastic about attending school and exploring new subjects.
Example Lesson: Dealing with First-Day Jitters
Explanation: Through its characters, the book addresses the common fears and anxieties of starting school and how they overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can use the coping strategies depicted in the book to manage their own anxieties about new experiences or environments.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the dogs face challenges in school settings, they demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and find creative solutions in their day-to-day challenges.