Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop
What’s inside...
Together with the other farm animals, Old MacDonald is building a surprise for the babies on the farm. Using tools like a saw, drill, chisel, file, screwdriver, and paintbrush operated by the animal crew, they create a miniature toy farm. Featuring sounds like 'zztt zztt' and 'tap tap', this delightful twist on the familiar nursery song will captivate preschoolers who enjoy tools and making things. Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop is a creative and engaging read for young children, with the fun refrain of E-I-E-I-O!
Age
2-5
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Old Macdonald
Discussion points
What tools did Old MacDonald use in her woodshop? How do you think each tool helps her?
Can you describe how Old MacDonald and her friends worked together? Why is teamwork important?
What are some of the things that Old MacDonald built? If you had a woodshop, what would you like to build?
How do you think Old MacDonald felt when she finished building something? Have you ever felt that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read the book together, point out the different tools and ask your child to guess what they could be used for.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about a time they worked with others to create or build something.
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to think of something they would like to build, just like Old MacDonald.
Talk about the feelings of accomplishment and pride with your child, relating it to any personal experiences they might have of completing a project or task.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem-Solving
Explanation: In 'Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop', the titular character and her farm animal friends use a variety of tools to build a surprise project. This demonstrates the power of creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by engaging in creative group activities at school or home, learning to brainstorm solutions and work together to complete tasks.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Old MacDonald encounters several challenges in her building project but persists until it is completed. This highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it is in completing a difficult puzzle, learning a new skill, or improving in a sport.
Example Lesson: Gender Roles in Occupations
Explanation: The book features a female character, Old MacDonald, performing tasks typically associated with males, such as woodworking and using heavy tools. This challenges traditional gender roles and showcases that skills and interests are not gender-specific.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their career aspirations or hobbies should not be limited by gender stereotypes. Girls and boys alike can aspire to be engineers, artists, scientists, or anything they choose.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Old MacDonald and the animals work together to achieve a common goal. This illustrates the value of teamwork and how collaborative efforts can lead to greater success.
Real-World Application: Children can emulate this behavior during group projects or team sports, understanding that cooperation and valuing each other's input leads to success.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Craftsmanship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the process of creating something from scratch using various tools and the joy of building. It teaches children to appreciate the work and skill involved in craftsmanship.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to try hands-on activities such as building models, crafting, or simple woodworking, fostering a respect for the craft and perhaps sparking a lifelong hobby or career interest.