What the Ladybird Heard Next

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Think about what stealing means and why it is wrong. How would you feel if someone stole from you? What happens to people who steal things from others? Spin and say– Nominate a child to spin the wheel. When the wheel stops, do something! For example, name the animal; run and touch a flashcard of the animal; walk around the room like the animal; make the animal noise, etc.

It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. There are some great free printable activities over on Kiddycharts which has got a What The Ladybird Heard colouring sheet, dominoes, find the ladybird activity and an activity to match the animal to the noise that they make.I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books. Look at the illustrations of the farm in the book. Look at the different textures used on the tree / grass / buildings. Can you try to recreate these textures using different art materials? Look at the vocabulary used to describe how the thieves are planning to steal the cow. What other direction words can you think of? The animals play on the greed of the robbers and get the robbers to believe in a large imaginary bird

I love these ladybird suncatchers from Here Come The Girls which would look beautiful on display in a school or preschool window or in your childs room at home.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

Can you think of some synonyms for ‘next’ and use them to create a new ‘What the Ladybird Heard…’ story, e.g. What the Ladybird Heard After / A While Later / Eventually? So many lovely little ladybirds on this printable sheet. They all look alike don’t they. But do they really? Let’s take a closer look and find that one special one. It sure isn’t an easy task, trust us it took us a while. Did you spot it yet? All the Gruffalo fans have many more things to be super excited about as Discover Children’s story centre has an Axel SchefflerandJulia Donaldsonexhibition that brings12 of their enchanting picture books bursting to life (Gruffalo included). Draw a map of the farm on the coordinate grid (see Resources below) and use the coordinates / compass directions to show somebody how to move from one place to another.

Gather lots of leaves and try to arrange them to make a picture. Look at the work of Andy Goldsworthy to find more examples of how nature can be used to make art. Use these as inspiration to make your own. I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.

More Activities for Children’s Books

Use the Farm Animals resource (see Resources below) to record words and phrases that could be used to describe each animal. Write a character profile about Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len? what kind of people are they? Where do they live?