I came across Can I Help by Marilyn Janovitz on our bookshelves the other day, and opening it reminded me of why we haven’t gotten rid of this one. In this story, the little dog works his way through the day by asking his ever-patient mother if he can help with chore after chore. This is the kind of fairy tale I am tempted to present to my children as non-fiction – “Yes, there really are children in the world who consider working alongside their mother a treat.”
Actually, to be honest, my kids don’t usually mind working alongside me – it’s when I send them off to go do something that the frustrations begin.
Back to the story.
So Mother Dog patiently answers every request affirmatively and mother and son work together with some amusing results.
This is a repetitive and predictable book in the sense that it is really a set of questions in the same format each time, “Can I help you . . .” answered in the same format each time, “Yes, please help me . . .” Rhymiing words are used for each chore, so the text flows pleasantly in a comfortable rhythm.
Every few pages, several of the last few chores are listed.
I love all the language elements of this book. It is perfectly suited for the child who needs vocabulary practice in an organic and natural setting.
I’ve made two sets of printable PECs to accompany Can I Help? One set are nouns and one set are verbs, both are PDF files. Print them, laminate them and use them as sequencing cards or PEC storyboard cards to nail down child participation and comprehension. As you read the book, simply pause after the listing of each chore and have your child select the correct card. Have them lay them down left to right so that a visual sequence emerges. Older children can use both sets together and separate them into nouns and verbs. Although you may have to order this book from Amazon rather than find it at your library, it’s definately a keeper and worth the investment of a few dollars.
Thanks to www.mrsriley.com for giving me such an easy format to make these cards in.
Can I Help – Nouns (PDF)
Can I Help – verbs (PDF)
www.mrsriley.com members can access the editable files here:
http://mrsriley.com/app/#fileID=62937 (nouns)
http://mrsriley.com/app/#fileID=62938 (verbs)
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