We're Going to Feed the Ducks!
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
A little boy and his older sister set out to the park to feed the ducks, but along the way they encounter various animals, such as a friendly brown dog, two squirrels, three sparrows, four pigeons, and five seagulls. As they interact with each group of animals, they count them, incorporating a lesson in counting up to five and back down to one. The story, meant for very young children, is simple and humorous with a repeating refrain, 'We're going to feed the ducks!'. At the end, there is a gentle joke that even the youngest child will enjoy, leaving readers to wonder if there will be enough food left for the ducks after all their encounters.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the ducks were happy when the children fed them?
What kind of food would you bring to feed the ducks if we went to a pond?
How do you think the children felt when they were feeding the ducks?
What would you do if a new duck came along while you were feeding them?
Can you imagine a story where the ducks come to visit the children at their home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Enhance the reading experience by using expressive voices for different characters to make the story come alive
After reading, take a walk to a nearby pond or park, relating real-life experiences to the book’s setting and events
Encourage empathy by discussing how the ducks might feel receiving food and interacting with the children
Link the feeding activity in the book to lessons on kindness and sharing with others, reinforcing positive social behaviors
Ask open-ended questions that allow the child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, fostering critical thinking and emotional understanding
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story portrays children who take on the duty of feeding ducks, showcasing the importance of taking care of animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to care for pets or help with chores at home, knowing that their actions directly impact those around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the children interact with the ducks, they learn to understand and share the feelings of other beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop compassion and consider how their actions affect others’ feelings, promoting empathy in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Sharing
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of sharing resources, as the children share their bread with the ducks.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their possessions and time with others, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, children observe the behavior and responses of the ducks to various stimuli.
Real-World Application: This skill can be translated into better attention to detail and increased curiosity about the natural world, enhancing learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Nature
Explanation: The book encourages outdoor activities by showing the joy of interacting with wildlife in a natural setting.
Real-World Application: This can inspire families to spend more time outdoors, exploring and appreciating the environment together.