The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water

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Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Write a new story about an animal who doesn’t like something that they would normally love (e.g. the dog who hated tennis balls, the worm who didn’t like mud).
• Read the first sentence in the book (There was once a duck who didn’t like water). Can you continue the story yourself?
• Look at the illustrations and think of thought / speech bubbles for Duck and Frog at different points in the story.
• Retell the story from Duck’s (or Frog’s) point of view.
• What sounds do ducks and frogs make? Can you make a list of examples of onomatopoeia?
• Write a sequel for this story. What adventures might Duck and Frog have next?
• Write a prequel to this story that explains why Duck doesn’t like water.
• Duck loves to read in his little house. Write a new story that he might enjoy reading.

Science

• Find out about the habitats of different types of animals. Where do they normally live? Why do they live there? Do they have any special adaptations to help them survive there?
• In this story, Duck has built his own house. Can you think of animals that build their houses?

Computing

• Use graphics software to create some illustrations of Duck and Frog.
• Use a publishing program to design a poster that asks others to let Duck know if they find Frog’s home.
• Design a poster that shows the phrase ‘Home doesn’t feel like home if you’re not there’.

Design Technology

• Design (and build) a new home for Duck.
• Duck only has one yellow raincoat. Can you design a new coat to protect him from the rain?

Art

• Create a comic strip that retells this story.
• Draw or paint some pictures of Duck and Frog in different situations.

Geography

• Create a map that shows the route from Duck’s house to Frog’s home.

PSHE

• Duck misses his new friend when Frog goes back home. Can you think of a time when you have missed somebody or something?
• What can we do when we are feeling sad or missing a friend or family member?