Create a to-do chore chart to help the child see all the things he can accomplish today. Using construction paper and crayons, have the child draw a grid and label it with the days of the week across the top of the paper and with chores to be accomplished down the left side of the page. Have the child either write the names of the chores or, to assist nonreaders, draw pictures of what the chores look like. Let the child think of the chores that should be included and choose the pictures that will make the chart beautiful and engaging. By allowing the child to make most of the decisions regarding the chart, he will be more inclined to use it and accomplish the tasks daily. Then let the child know that when he finishes a task you will initial the box for the chore as completed. Now the child can measure his success and enjoy the accomplishment, just like Toad was able to do in the book.
Fly a kite like Frog and Toad: Make a homemade kite using paper decorated by the child, a dowel or rod, string and a ribbon for a tail. The little reader will not only get to enjoy "The Kite" story but the entertainment in designing and detailing her very own kite. The two of you can then head outside for some exercise and laughter as you both fly your kite for the first time.
For Toad's birthday, Frog gave him a hat. Little readers can make hats for themselves or to give to others. Start by making a strip of paper big enough to wrap around the child's head (or tape another strip to it to make a big enough band), decorate with crayons, and then secure the circle band with tape. Take a piece of paper and create the top of the hat by cutting a paper circle big enough to tape to the edges of the band. Allow the child to decorate the top of the hat before securing. Tape the flat piece to the band to make what looks like an upside down bowl. Finally, using oversized construction paper, cut out an "O" shape that can be taped or stapled to the hat to create the brim. Finish by making the hat as colorful and decorative as the child would like to make it.
Just ask Frog and Toad, being alone is not bad if your head is full of happy thoughts. Encourage the young reader to create her own picture book of things that make her happy. The book can be read at any time, when others are around or when alone. To encourage the process, ask open-ended questions (questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer) to help the child think of things that make her happy: "What people make you happy?"; "What is your favorite animal?"; "What is your favorite game?," "Who is your favorite superhero?." Books can be made simply by folding a few papers in half and putting a couple of staples in the middle to hold it together. Then allow the child to design her own book of happy thoughts.