Henry, a lonely boy living on a street with no children, asks for a dog. As a result of this request, he gains Mudge, his large canine friend with whom he has many adventures. Your students can celebrate Henry and Mudge's friendship by learning more about one another. Create a series of questions that students can ask one another, such as "What is your favorite color?" and "How many brothers and sisters do you have?" Have students pair off with members of the classroom they do not know very well. One student asks the other student the questions you created and writes down the answers. Repeat this with the other student. Students can either write short reports about their new friends or present their answers by "introducing" their new friends to the class.
Your students can use their reading of the "Henry and Mudge" books as inspiration to help needy animals in your community. Students can create posters and fliers to be placed around the school asking for other students to bring in old blankets and sheets, dog food and other things your local animal shelters may need. Call local shelters for a full list of their needs. Have students make daily or weekly rounds through the school to collect the donations and return them to your classroom. At the end of the collection period, arrange a field trip to the shelter to drop off the donations, if possible.
Tell your students to imagine that Henry and Mudge soon will make a visit to their classroom. Ask them to write about the preparations that would need to be made for Henry and Mudge, such as whether the classroom would need to be rearranged or what snacks they would provide. They can also write about what they believe would happen during Henry and Mudge's visit.
Ask a dog trainer to visit your classroom. Have the person explain what it takes to train a dog and teach it how to do specific tricks. If possible, have the trainer bring a dog to show off some of the tricks and lessons taught during dog training.