The Donkey's Day Out
What’s inside...
Everyone was changing at Hoggart's Farm - the old farmer was moving and the cows had been sold. Fred was worried. What would happen to him? What use was an old donkey who liked nothing better than to stand under the willow trees and dream?
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the donkey felt when he ventured out for the day?
What places did the donkey visit and which one did he like the most?
Why is it important for the donkey to explore new places?
What new friends did the donkey make on his day out and what did he learn from them?
If you were the donkey, what would you do differently on your day out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the donkey and ask how they would feel exploring new places.
Discuss the importance of making new friends and learning from others as portrayed in the book.
Use a map to help your child visualize the donkey's journey and the places he visited.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the story or to draw a new adventure for the donkey.
Connect the story’s themes to your child’s own experiences of visiting new places or trying new activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: In 'The Donkey's Day Out,' the donkey experiences various interactions with other characters who show him kindness, which in turn makes his day enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being kind to others, which can lead to more positive interactions and friendships in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, the donkey's choices lead to different outcomes, teaching readers about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their actions have consequences, guiding them to make thoughtful decisions in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: The story presents various scenarios where the donkey feels different emotions, encouraging readers to put themselves in his hooves.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The joy of adventure
Explanation: The donkey’s ventures outside his usual environment bring excitement and new experiences, highlighting the benefits of trying new things.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to explore new activities and learn from experiences outside their comfort zone, which is crucial for their personal growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the donkey navigates his day out, he learns to take responsibility for his actions and their impact on his surroundings.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of personal responsibility and being aware of how their actions affect others and the world around them.