After reading "The Story About Ping," look at the pictures of the ducks. Count aloud together: first, second, third, fourth, fifth. Ask, "Which duck is last?"

Discuss what it means to be last. When is it bad to be last? For example: waiting in line to get ice cream; the last one into class. Are there times when it might be good to be last?

See if your child can recognize and read the numbers mentioned in the story

1 2 3 11 7 42

Ask if she remembers, "How many sisters did Ping have?" (two)

How many brothers? (three)

How many aunts? (eleven)

How many uncles? (seven)

How many cousins? (forty-two)

-- prepared by Susan Rapp, Village Reading Center

Pub Date: 6/03/98