The month of May, we will explore the book
Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith.
Babe: The Gallant Pig is a fast-paced heartwarming animal fantasy book by Dick King-Smith. After arriving at farmer Hogget's farm, a pig named Babe saves sheep from hustlers and wild dogs and goes on winning a sheepherding competition. The main character Babe the pig is lovable, sensitive and polite.
To begin a unit, invite your homeschooler to PREDICT what will happen in the book just by looking at the cover and by reading the short description above.
There are no wrong answers and answers can be long or as short, but make sure you don't skip this step!! It's important in your journey through the book.
Discussion topics for before reading:• Have you seen the movie "Babe: The Gallant Pig?"
• What/who do you usually call “Babe”?
Discussion topics for during/after reading:• Do you have a pet? Are there rules for your pet?
• Do you think animals can learn?
• The pig in this story learns to work like a sheep dog. Do you think you can do something no one in your family has done before? (learn a new language/sport, go to college, travel to China/Paris….)
• Do you have a natural talent that no one in your family has? (ie: singing, playing baseball, drawing, spelling...)
• How do you feel when people ask you to do things nicely? How do you feel when they boss you around?
• Have you ever done something even though you felt people might laugh at you? (like coming to Reading to Kids!)
Craft ideas:• Braided ribbon bracelet. Take 3 different color ribbons and loosely measure it around your wrist. Add an additional inch then double the length. Cut the ribbon, so it is twice the length when measured around your wrist. Line the ribbons up and fold in half. At the folded end, make a single knot with room for a loop. This loop will be used like a buttonhole for the bracelet. After the knot, start to braid the ribbons together. Make sure to keep the same colors doubled up. To braid, line up the 3 ribbons and number them 1, 2, 3. Bring 3 in between 1 and 2. Then bring 1 between 3 and 2. And 2 between 3 and 1. Then, begin with 3 again and put it between 2 and 1. Then 1 between 2 and 3; 2 between 1 and 3. Continue with this pattern. When you get to the end of the ribbons, tie a secure single knot. Bracelet can now be worn on the wrist by inserting the knot into the loop a couple of times.
• Mini bouquet. Take a tulle circle and fold in half. Use scissors and make a small snip in the center. Grab mini bouquet of roses and insert into middle of the tulle circle. Take parts of the tulle circle and pull it towards the bouquet, giving it a scrunched look. Do this all around the mini bouquet and fasten with a ribbon. Make sure to tie the ribbon tightly and it can be finished off with a simple bow
• Make a Friendship Chain (Paper Dolls holding hands)—Cut a piece of paper “hot dog style”. Fold the piece of paper accordion style (like a fan) three times. Draw a picture of yourself (boy shape, girl shape) on the fold—make sure your hands and feet reach the edge of the paper. Cut out—don’t cut on the folds. Open up and you’ll see a Friendship Chain. You can try to make a pig friendship chain by drawing “Babe” instead of yourself. Make sure Babe’s snout and hoof and tail and hoof reach the edge of the paper.