Old MacDonald Heard a Parp
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Old Macdonald's farm is filled with rude noises interrupting his day, leading to a hilarious and irreverent twist on the classic nursery rhyme. This picture book by debut author/illustrator, Olaf Falafel, includes do-it-yourself instructions to join in on the fun. Optimised for Kindle tablets and the Kindle App, it is not suitable for e-Ink Kindle devices. A sample download is recommended for those unsure of compatibility.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Old Macdonald
Discussion points
What do you think made Old MacDonald laugh the most in the story?
How do you think the animals felt when they heard the funny sounds?
If you could add a new animal to Old MacDonald's farm, what animal would it be and what sound would it make?
Why do you think Olaf Falafel chose to use funny sounds in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different animals to make the reading session more entertaining and interactive.
After reading, encourage your child to create their own funny sounds for each animal from the book.
Discuss the importance of humor and how it can make learning more enjoyable.
Connect the sounds in the book to real farm sounds if possible, to make the experience educational as well as fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Sounds
Explanation: The book creatively uses different animal sounds, which helps children differentiate and recognize various sounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by identifying sounds in their environment, aiding in their sensory development.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Rhyme and Rhythm
Explanation: The story is presented with a rhythmic and rhyming narrative, which can enhance children's phonemic awareness and early reading skills.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in rhyming games or create their own rhymes, boosting their language skills and creativity.
Example Lesson: Learning Humor
Explanation: The humorous approach to the story, with unexpected parps from various animals, introduces children to the concept of playfulness in language.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express themselves in funny and creative ways, important for social interactions and cognitive flexibility.
Example Lesson: Cultural Exposure
Explanation: Featuring an iconic song known across cultures, the book offers a gateway to understanding and appreciating familiar nursery rhymes.
Real-World Application: This encourages exploration of more songs and stories from various cultures, broadening a child’s cultural knowledge and appreciation.