If You Give a Dog a Donut Lesson Plan with Cloud Dough

Learning With Great Literature

engaging book activities for children

REGARDLESS OF THE BOOK, IT CAN PROVIDE A NICE JUMPING OFF POINT FOR A VARIETY OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES.

If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff Lesson Plan features three unique activities to use after sharing the book with your students. The cloud dough brings in sensory play, while the creative writing sheets give children a chance to comprehend the story even more by imagining, “What if….” Finally, delving into facts and science of real dogs tops it off for a well-rounded set of lessons from just one book!

Read-alouds foster imagination, expand background knowledge and vocabulary, and contribute to understanding concepts of print. Although the “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” reading level may be above that of your average preschooler or kindergartener, it is on par with their comprehension level.

The value of sharing stories with children should NOT be underestimated! Even when children aren’t quite ready to read print, they gain foundational reading skills every time a caring adult shares a book.

Reading aloud to young children:

• Expands vocabulary
• Enhances creativity and imagination
• Boosts independent reading skills
• Improves writing skills
• Improves memory skills when combined with a reading journal

What Can Preschoolers Learn With Literature Activities?

IF YOU GIVE A DOG A DONUT ACTIVITIES

USING A BOOK AS A SPRINGBOARD HELPS GAIN INTEREST, GIVE BACKGROUND INFORMATION, AND PROMOTE ENGAGEMENT.

“If You Give a Dog a Donut,” is a fun learning opportunity for younger children. The three simple activities in the packet will draw the interest of preschoolers and nurture a love of books and reading.

You can use cloud dough as a special treat for your preschoolers to enjoy while you read aloud If You Give a Dog a Donut during learning time.

The food journaling activity helps preschoolers engage in a creative dialogue while advancing creative writing skills.

Finally, exploring the question, “What do Dogs Eat?” will help your preschoolers discern between facts and fiction.

Wouldn’t it be fun to invite a real dog into the classroom after story time to test some theories?! (allergies permitting)

Engaging our youngest learner with entertaining books sets the scene for future motivation to learn to read and enjoy books! “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” and other books, lend themselves perfectly to activities like journaling, food creation, and simple food studies.

Find More Food Activities Here

Feel free to adjust each “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” activity for preschool to suit your learners. Who knows, you might even be inspired to put up a fun bulletin board or a doughnut-themed morning work bin.

Directions:

Step One:

In a bowl, mix the whipped cream topping and cornstarch with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix well until a soft and crumbly dough forms. The gluten-free cloud dough should mold nicely in your hands when manipulated.

Step Two:

If the dough is too crumbly and dry, add a tablespoon of oil at a time until the consistency is appropriate for shaping. If it is too sticky, add a teaspoon of cornstarch at a time and mix until appropriate.

Step Three:

Once the cloud dough is just right, sprinkle some cornstarch on the surface and roll out the cloud dough DIY. Use a cup to press small circles. We used the lid of a glue stick to cut out the small inside circle, creating a donut shape.

Step Four:

Sprinkle the top of your cloud dough donuts with candy sprinkles. Now it’s time for sensory play with the donuts and other cloud dough activities.

Activity #2 Journal Activity, “If you give a dog some dog food…”:

Now that we know what would happen if you give a dog a donut, what about if you gave a dog some dog food? Would the same hilarity ensue?

Supplies:

• pen/pencil
• notebook paper
• crayons

Directions:

Step One:

Re-read the book, “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, illustrator. Talk about the humorous events that follow.

Step Two:

What would a dog do if you gave him dog food? Would he still ask for apple juice? Would he be off on a backyard adventure? Discuss and brainstorm ideas as a group.

Step Three:

Using your notebook paper, write a brief story about If You Gave a Dog Some Dog Food. Try to make it humorous like author Laura Numeroff does! See if you can put your own silly spin on the story. Younger children may wish to draw an illustration instead.

Step Four:

Share your creative stories when done!

Activity #3 Study Activity, What Do Dogs Eat?

Step One:

Take the time to skim and browse through your nonfiction dog books. See if you can find information about diet and what foods are good for them.

Step Two:

Make a list of foods that are good for dogs. Some examples include dog food, ground turkey, carrots, and peas.

Step Three:

Look up a recipe for healthy homemade dog treats. Save it for later.

Step Four:

When time permits, make a batch of homemade dog treats. Donate them to a local animal shelter or serve them to your own dog.

More If You Give a Dog a Donut Activities:

Dramatic Play: Create a dramatic play center for, “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” activity for kindergarten. Stock it with all of the items from the story and kids can retell in their own words.

Have a Snack: If you give a dog some juice, he ‘ll drink it and want more! Children, too! Enjoy some juice and donuts after the story.

Make New Titles: Laura Numeroff has many other titles, but what if your students made up their own? The only rule is that the animal and object have to start with the same letter, ie., “If you give an alligator an apple,” etc.

Sequencing Cards: While this book series lends itself nicely to a variety of skills, sequencing might be the most natural! Have fun asking kids to remember the sequence of the story as it unfolds. Create large visuals picture cards by copying book pages onto cardstock. Laminate for durability. Mix them up and ask pre-k students to put them in order. Place them in small group bins for independent play.

What is the Role of Imaginary Play in Early Childhood Development?

Imaginary play, often overlooked as mere whimsy, serves as a cornerstone in the cognitive and socio-emotional development of young children. Through pretending to be superheroes, chefs, or astronauts, children engage in a complex form of learning that hones creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation.

These imaginative scenarios actually become fun skill-building activities for kids to experiment with social roles, negotiate conflicts, and develop empathy by stepping into different perspectives. For parents, daycare workers, and early childhood educators, fostering an environment that encourages and celebrates imaginative play lays the groundwork for resilient, adaptable, and socially adept individuals.

More Donut Theme Activities You’ll Love

• Donut Mini Eraser Activities for Preschool
• Donut Graphing Free Printable
• “Flip” Printable Food Theme I Spy Game

Try These Food Theme Activities, Too

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