Old MacDonald had a farm

This kit includes ideas to engage the children in the tale of Old MacDonald had a farm.

Old MacDonald may be one of the most famous fictitious farmers, if not the most famous farmer, in the world. His fantastic farm has been celebrated in a variety of formats over the years, as a chant, as a song and as a book. The characters may change from one version to another, with a sheep here and a pig there, here a horse, there a dog, everywhere an Old MacDonald, but whatever creatures live on the farm, they're always very noisy! 

This BritLit Primary Kit includes ideas to engage the children in the tale in addition to a host of activities to exploit the story and to extend the topic of farms and farm animals. You can also find online and printable materials for learners on the British Council's LearnEnglish Kids website.

Activities – a collection of materials related to the story

Flashcards – to help you build up vocabulary and support understanding

  • Farm animals – Visuals of dogs, sheep, cows, pigs, horse, horse and cat, donkey, etc.

Additional activities – a collection of materials related to the theme of farms and animals

About this BritLit Kit

This is part of a short series of kits for primary school learners of English. It was produced to respond to the initiative of governments, including the Portuguese government, to lower the age at which English is taught in state schools. Written by Carolyne Ardron and Sue Clarke, illustrations by Paul Millard.

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