1 5 1 the farmer s hat (animal fantasy)

The Farmer’s Hat
by Beth Town

ELL Reader 1.5.1

Animal Fantasy

INTRODUCE THE BOOK

RESPOND

Activate Prior Knowledge/Build
Background Read the title, and have children
look at the picture. Ask them what they think will
happen to the farmer’s hat. Ask them if they have
ever had a hat or other object blow away in
the wind. Invite them to tell what happened. Tell
children this book tells about a problem with the
farmer’s hat.

Answers to the Reader’s Inside Back Cover:

Preview/Use Text Features Preview the
reader by talking about the illustrations together
and naming the labeled items.
Preteach Vocabulary Review the highfrequency words that appear in this book: along
and never. Introduce these key words from the
book: blew (p. 2), chased (p. 2), wait (p. 2),
and spinning (p. 7). Discuss these words and
add them to a Word Wall.

READ THE BOOK
Choose among these options for reading to
support children at all English proficiency levels.
Read Aloud Read the book aloud as children
follow along. Pause to verify comprehension and
to explain unfamiliar concepts.
Monitored Reading Have children read
aloud a few pages at a time. Use the following
questions to support comprehension:
• Pages 2–3 When did the farmer’s hat
blow away? (His hat blew away when it was
time to feed the pigs and cows.)
• Pages 4–5 When did the farmer’s hat
blow away? (His hat blew away when it was
time to feed the hens and the horse.)
• Pages 6–8 How is the farmer’s problem
solved? (The spider spins strings for the hat.
The strings hold the hat on his head.)

Talk About It
1. The farmer’s hat blew away. They had to wait
while he chased it before they could eat. (Cause
and Effect)
2. She made strings for the hat. (Plot)
Write About It
3. Answers will vary.
Support writers at various English proficiency
levels.
Beginning Allow children to dictate their
story in the home language. If feasible, have a

more proficient partner help translate.
Intermediate Have children generate a list
of possible words to use in their writing.
Advanced Ask children to write at least three
sentences.
Extend Language ducks, turkeys
Answers to page 50:
Possible responses: First, the hat blows away.
Then, the spider makes strings.
Last, the farmer wears the hat.
Family Link Read aloud the Family Link
activity on page 50 before sending copies of
the Study Guide home with children. Later, have
them share the stories they heard about helpful
spiders.

© Scott Foresman 1

Reread Have children reread the book with a
partner, in small groups, or independently. Have
them complete the Study Guide on page 50.

ELL Readers Teaching Guide

Unit 5, Week 1 The Farmer’s Hat

49


Study Guide

The Farmer’s Hat

Name

• Read The Farmer’s Hat again.
• Look at the pictures. Write about what happens
first, next, and last.
First,

Next,

Family Link
Ask family members to share any stories they know
about a helpful spider.
50

The Farmer’s Hat Unit 5, Week 1

ELL Readers Teaching Guide

© Scott Foresman 1

Last,