On the Farm: Our Holiday with Uncle Kev
#3 of 10 in Biscuit's Holiday Celebrations Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
In this sixth picture book in Roland Harvey's hilarious and delightful holiday adventure series, Uncle Kev has a farm, where the pigs do the polishing and the cows are the happiest in all the hills. Kev invites the family for a 'holiday', then sets them to work. There's lots to be done before the big Harvest Festival - and Kev is distracted, because he's fallen in love!
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the holiday on the farm and why?
How do you think the animals feel about living on the farm? What clues did the illustrations give you?
If you could spend a day with Uncle Kev, what farm activities would you like to try?
What differences do you notice between life on the farm and life in the city?
How did the characters solve problems they faced on the farm? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the farm setting in their own words, highlighting any sensory details from the book.
Ask your child to compare their daily routine with the characters in the book, fostering empathy and understanding.
After reading, prompt your child to draw a picture of their ideal day on a farm, incorporating elements from the book.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss the importance of teamwork and cooperation, as depicted in the story.
Share a personal story about a time you experienced something similar to the events in the book to create a deeper connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: As the children and Uncle Kev work together to manage the farm, they learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each other's contributions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these teamwork skills in group projects at school or during team sports, learning to work effectively with others towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout their holiday, the children take on various chores around the farm, teaching them responsibility as they care for animals and maintain the farm.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of fulfilling their duties, whether it's completing homework on time, performing household chores, or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment and the animals, showing the beauty and balance of farm life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and protect nature, possibly encouraging activities such as recycling, conserving water, or planting a garden.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The children's experiences on the farm ignite their curiosity about different farm operations and animals, fostering a love of learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in any setting, enhancing their educational development and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Faced with new challenges and unfamiliar tasks, the children learn to adapt to new situations, a critical skill both on and off the farm.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that being flexible and adaptable is essential when tackling new tasks or facing changes in their routine or environment.