Home on the Range (Down Girl and Sit)
#4 of 4 in Down Girl And Sit Series
What’s inside...
Two dogs named Down Girl and Sit go out west with their owners and meet barking squirrels (prairie dogs), ugly dogs (coyotes), and a gasoline-powered bull (a truck). Told from a canine point of view, this fourth book in the Down Girl and Sit chapter book series by Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Lucy Nolan is filled with humor.
Discussion points
How do you think Down Girl feels when she's trying to protect her home? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways that Down Girl and Sit show their friendship throughout the story?
Why do you think the author chose the farm as the setting for this adventure?
What lesson do you think Down Girl learns by the end of the book?
If you were in Down Girl's place, how would you handle the situations she encounters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their actions. Relate the farm setting and animal characters to any of your child’s experiences with pets or animals to make connections. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to develop their creative thinking. Praise them for their insights, helping to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story presents the internal thoughts and emotions of pets, specifically the dogs Down Girl and Sit, providing kids insight into empathy by understanding others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by considering the feelings and perspectives of friends and family members, helping them develop stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the camaraderie between Down Girl and Sit demonstrates how relationships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cultivate and cherish friendships in their own lives, recognizing the value and fun that friends bring.
Example Lesson: Listening and Obedience
Explanation: As the two main characters often find themselves in humorous mishaps due to misunderstandings of their owner's commands, children see the consequences of poor communication and the importance of listening.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of listening carefully in school or at home, which can help avoid misunderstandings and lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Down Girl and Sit encounter various challenges that require creative problem solving which are resolved in humorous, yet instructive ways.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that thinking creatively and working through problems can be effective strategies in dealing with everyday challenges.