Elementary students love rhyming books, but it can be hard to find rhyming books that make great mentor texts. We think that The Donkey Egg is a great choice. Not only is it a silly, engaging book for students, it lends itself to great discussions and a variety of lessons. This is a great book to pair with a nonfiction unit on seeds and planting or eggs and life cycles. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Bear’s farm was a mess and in need of repair. He didn’t seem to mind though and spent his days sleeping on the porch until Fox stopped by. Fox convinced Bear to buy a watermelon, telling him it was a donkey egg that would hatch and help tend to the farm. Bear took his job of caring for the donkey egg seriously. He kept it warm, safe, and happy. His neighbor Hare was training for a race and was always surprised to see Bear out of his chair, taking care of the egg.
Bear spent weeks caring for his donkey egg until one day, he started to fall asleep. The donkey egg started to roll away, down the hill. Bear and Hare chased after it but were too late, it smashed on the ground and seeds went everywhere. Bear decided to plant the watermelon seeds and Hare helped. When the two friends sold all their watermelon, they were finally able to get a donkey.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Rhyming books can be used to teach so many reading strategies and make great mentor text for writing activities. Check out some of the ways you can integrate this book into what you’re already teaching.
- Identify the genre of this story and discuss the characteristics of that genre.
- Have students sequence the important events of the story.
- Incorporate “how-to” writing by asking students to explain how to plant a seed.
- Use the book as a mentor text and encourage students to write their own rhyming poems.
- Teach a mini lesson on interjections.
- Explore why authors write some words and phrases in all caps.
- Discuss the importance of giving your best effort.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
If you’re looking for a rhyming book or a spring read then you are sure to love The Donkey Egg. These activities will make planning a new read aloud so much easier and your students will be learning and engaged!
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
- Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea
- The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
