Walter the Farting Dog is a children’s book written by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray. It was on the New York Times bestseller list, with over one million copies sold. The intended audience of the book could range from infants to the elderly, anyone who relishes in the offbeat humor of flatulence. I chose this book because all of my students love to laugh about “gas.” To summarize Walter the Farting Dog, we start with a pound mutt who is adopted by a family who is unaware of his problem. They bathe him, change his diet, and ultimately warn him to stop “gassing” or he will be sent back to the pound. While Walter is wallowing in self-pity, his house becomes burglarized and Walter saves the day by “letting go” of the most awful fart known the man. Thus, leading Walter to become a hero to his family and keeping his new home.
There are several ways to incorporate Walter’s gas in the Science curriculum. You could ask about the different types of solids, liquids, gases and where Walter’s flatulence is categorized. There are numerous vocabulary opportunities throughout the story along with figurative language. I could have the students change the main character of Walter to a female animal, and develop ideas of how a female would be treated verses a male. We could change the ending to Walter not becoming the hero, but becoming an accomplice to the burglars and runs-off to a life of crime. We could play “top that” with guiding questions about Walter and his transformation from becoming an unwanted dog to a family hero. TWD/SPED
3 comments:
I used to see "Walter the Farting Dog" in Barnes Noble, and I thought that it was a disgusting book. I wouldn't even pick it up and read it. After read your review, however, I have changed my mind. I now think that the book sounds cute, and that it definitely has possibilities in teaching matter in Science!
Ms. Merriott, I agree that adults would not consider this book. But kids (both genders) would fight for this book. That is why is was a best seller!
Did you know? There is a spider on every illustration that students could try to find.
I have never liked Walter and the Farting Dog. I think its good that it can be used across the curriculum. I wonder if you could use it to discuss adjectives since "fart" describes the dog. :)
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