Feelings
Where does the story take place? How do you know?
The story takes place on a farm.
We know this because there are cows, chickens, and ducks, which are farm animals.
The pictures show a barn, a farmhouse, and a pond, which are typical of a farm setting.
Read these lines from the story. Sorry. We're closed. No milk today. Why do the cows put this note on the barn door?
They won't give milk until they get electric blankets.
How would you describe Farmer Brown’s personality? What actions show what kind of person he is?
Farmer Brown is stubborn because he refuses to give the animals what they want at first.
Why do the ducks send a note to Farmer Brown?
They have learned from the cows how to get what they want.
How do you think the setting (a farm) affects the events in the story? Would the story be different if it took place somewhere else?
The setting is important because the animals live on the farm and depend on Farmer Brown for their care.
What happens AFTER Farmer Brown sends a note demanding eggs and milk?
The cows hold a meeting.
Do you think the cows are smart? What makes you think so?
Yes, they are very smart because they learn how to use a typewriter to communicate.
What will MOST LIKELY happen AFTER Farmer Brown reads the note from the ducks?
They have learned from the cows how to get what they want.
If you were Farmer Brown, how would you feel about getting typed notes from your animals?
I would feel surprised or shocked because animals aren’t supposed to type.
I would feel angry or annoyed if the animals were making demands.
I would feel amused or curious and want to see what the animals would ask for next.
What time of year do you think the story takes place? What clues help you figure this out?
It seems to take place in the fall or winter. The cows ask for electric blankets, which suggests it is cold outside.
What deal do the cows offer Farmer Brown?
They'll trade the typewriter for electric blankets.
How do the hens contribute to the story?
The hens join the cows in their strike by stopping egg production.
Do you think the cows and hens were satisfied with the deal they made with Farmer Brown? Why or why not?
Yes, because they got their electric blankets, which is what they wanted
At the end of the story, how do you think the ducks felt when they wrote their own letter to Farmer Brown? Why do you think they did that?
The ducks probably felt sneaky or clever because they tricked Farmer Brown.
They might have felt proud or happy that they got what they wanted.
Some students might say the ducks felt inspired by the cows’ bravery and decided to make their own request.
What parts of the farm do you think the animals spend most of their time in? Why?
The cows and hens probably spend most of their time in the barn because they sleep there and stay warm
Why do the cows and hens decide to write notes to Farmer Brown instead of just asking him directly?
They might feel too shy or nervous to ask him directly.
If you could talk to one of the characters, which one would you choose and what would you ask them?
N/A
Why do you think Farmer Brown gives in to the animals’ demands? Would you have made the same choice?
He gives in because he needs the milk and eggs to run his farm.
Why do you think the cows felt brave enough to write their demands to Farmer Brown? Would you feel brave in their situation?
The cows probably felt brave because they were standing up for themselves and what they needed.
They might have felt confident because they had the typewriter and knew they could communicate.
Some students might say they would feel brave too, while others might say they would feel nervous or scared to challenge Farmer Brown.
If you were visiting Farmer Brown’s farm, what would you expect to see, hear, and smell?
You would probably see cows, chickens, ducks, a barn, and a farmhouse.
You might hear cows mooing, chickens clucking, and the click-clack of the typewriter.
You could smell hay, animals, and maybe fresh milk or eggs from the farm.
What was Farmer Brown’s first attempt to solve the problem with the cows and hens? Was it successful? Why or why not?
Farmer Brown’s first attempt was to ignore the animals and hope they would just continue doing their jobs.
Do you think the ducks were fair to Farmer Brown at the end? Why or why not?
Yes or No
Do you think Farmer Brown learned anything from the experience? What lesson might he have learned?
Farmer Brown might have learned to listen to the animals’ needs instead of ignoring them.