This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to demonstrate use of creativity and imagination in learning and play.

Materials Needed:

• “Harry the Dirty Dog” by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham

Participants: This activity is intended for independent play and adult/child interaction.

Directions:

Step 1: Read “Harry the Dirty Dog,” or watch Betty White read it at Storyline Online (link above).

Step 2: Talk with your child about the story, the characters, and the plot. Harry had a big adventure, but he missed his family and decided to go home. He was happy to have a bath. Where would your child want to go if she were Harry? Would she like getting dirty?

Step 3: Look for elements in the story that interest your child. Let him pretend those scenarios from the story, such as doing somersaults, climbing through a cardboard box or tunnel, making a pretend vegetable stand, or hanging clothes on a rope with clothespins. Fill a bowl with water and let your child wash her toys, or fill a bucket with water and offer a paintbrush so she can “paint” a fence outdoors. Use scrub brushes to scrub the bathtub or let your child help clean produce for dinner.