The New Pony (Farmyard Tales)
#11 of 75 in Usborne Farmyard Tales Series
What’s inside...
In 'The New Pony,' part of the 'Farmyard Tales' series by Heather Amery, readers follow the life at Apple Tree Farm as the farm family welcomes a new pony. Poppy and Sam, the children, are excited to have a new animal friend and they learn about the responsibilities of caring for a pony, such as feeding, grooming, and riding. The book features simple language, charming illustrations, and includes interactive elements like a rebus puzzle activity with over 50 stickers, making it engaging for young readers. The story imparts lessons on animal care, friendship, and farm life routines.
Discussion points
How do you think Poppy felt when she first saw the new pony? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways Poppy helped take care of the pony? Why do you think it's important to look after animals?
What did you learn about farm life from this story? What part of farm life would you like to experience?
How do Poppy and Sam work together with their parents on the farm? What does this teach us about teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own feelings or a personal story about a similar experience to the one Poppy had when she met the new pony. This will help create a personal connection and open up the conversation.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Use this as a visual aid to prompt deeper discussion about the story and its characters.
Encourage your child to think of questions they would like to ask Poppy or other characters. This will help them engage more critically with the narrative and character motivations.
After discussing each question, encourage your child to relate the themes or lessons from the book to their own life—this helps in applying the story’s message to real-world situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story showcases children taking care of a new pony, demonstrating daily tasks and commitment required in caring for animals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible, whether it’s caring for a pet, completing homework, or doing household chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show understanding and kindness towards the new pony as it adjusts to its new surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the feelings of others and teach them to be considerate and supportive in both familiar and new situations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how family members and friends work together to look after the pony.
Real-World Application: Children learn about collaboration and the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: The introduction of the new pony brings changes to the farm’s routine, which the characters adapt to.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be flexible and adaptable when experiencing changes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: The story exposes children to learning about ponies and farm life.
Real-World Application: Encourages curiosity and learning about new topics, which can be applied to educational settings or exploring new hobbies.