This book is a great way to introduce key lessons to young students, including character mapping, making connections, themes, and analyzing vocabulary words. Including storyboards with these activities will enhance creativity and comprehension through the visual nature of storyboarding!
Student Activities for Henry and Mudge: the First Book
Essential Questions For Henry and Mudge: The First Book
- What makes a good friend?
- What does it mean to be responsible?
- Have you ever felt lonely? Was it a good or bad feeling?
- What is bildungsroman in literature and how is this an example?
Henry and Mudge: The First Book Summary
Henry is lonely because he has no siblings, and no children live on his street. He asks his parents if he could have a brother or sister, and they say no. He asks if they could move to a different neighborhood, and they say no. Henry asks if they can get a dog, and they say yes!
Henry searches and searches for a perfect dog. He has clear expectations, and when he sees a cute, small puppy, he knows it’s the one. Henry names his puppy Mudge, and Mudge does not stay small. He grows to one hundred and eighty pounds, three feet tall, and becomes Henry’s best friend.
Henry used to be worried about bullies, tornadoes, or other scary things when he walked to school, but now he has Mudge to protect him. All Henry’s worries are gone.
One day, Mudge decides to go for a walk without Henry. He reaches a point where he cannot smell home. Mudge is lost! He lies down and misses his friend, Henry.
Henry is worried that Mudge left him. He always thought they would be together forever. Henry cries until he realizes that Mudge loves him, and there is no way he left willingly, he must be lost! Henry searches and calls for Mudge. They finally find each other!
Mudge or Henry never want to feel the way they did when they were separated, so they decide to do everything together and never leave one another.
How Tos about Henry and Mudge: The First Book by Cynthia Rylant
How can I use Henry and Mudge to teach empathy in the classroom?
Introduce an empathy lesson by discussing moments when Henry or Mudge feel lonely or scared. Highlight how they comfort each other and ask students to share personal experiences of helping or caring for friends.
Facilitate a class discussion on feelings and friendship.
Encourage students to identify times they felt lonely, worried, or happy—just like Henry and Mudge. Use open-ended questions to foster participation and build trust among classmates.
Organize a role-play activity where students practice empathy.
Divide students into pairs and assign roles as Henry or Mudge. Guide them to express emotions and respond supportively, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding in friendships.
Create an empathy chart together as a class.
List ways students can show empathy at school and home. Encourage students to brainstorm concrete actions, such as listening, helping, or including others, and display the chart for daily reference.
Reflect and share with a short writing prompt.
Ask students to write about a time they helped someone or received help. Connect their experiences to Henry and Mudge’s story, reinforcing the value of empathy and friendship in their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry and Mudge: The First Book by Cynthia Rylant
What are some quick lesson ideas for teaching Henry and Mudge: The First Book?
Use character mapping, exploring themes like friendship and responsibility, and storyboarding activities to help students analyze the story visually. These activities encourage creativity and comprehension for young readers.
How can I use storyboards to teach Henry and Mudge in my classroom?
Storyboards help students visualize scenes, track character development, and identify key themes. Have students create storyboards for important events, character changes, or vocabulary words from the book.
What are the main themes in Henry and Mudge: The First Book?
The main themes include friendship, responsibility, and overcoming loneliness. The book also explores the importance of caring for others and building strong bonds.
Why is Henry and Mudge a good choice for early elementary lesson plans?
Henry and Mudge is relatable for young children, uses simple language, and teaches important life lessons about friendship and responsibility, making it ideal for K-2 classroom activities.
What essential questions can guide a discussion about Henry and Mudge?
Ask students: What makes a good friend? What does it mean to be responsible? and How do characters handle loneliness? These questions spark meaningful conversation and deeper understanding.
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