“Don’t Push the Button” Review And Activity

by Haley Bono

Recently my local library had a collection of Christmas books set out for the holidays. We checked out Don’t Push the Button A Christmas Adventure, which became an instant hit with my two-year-old. We read and reread the book, while my toddler “pushed” the button over and over again. Needless to say, the original Don’t Push the Button, by Bill Cotter, has been added to our own children’s book collection.

The concept of the book is quite simple. On every page is a picture of a button, and if the child “presses” it, then something happens on the next page. My toddler loves interacting with the book as it adds a new level of interest in what we are reading.

The original Don’t Push the Button, is a short book. Most of the pages don’t have more than a couple of sentences, which makes it a great read for little ones who might not have the longest attention span. Despite the simplicity, there is an important lesson to be taught: cause and effect. With every action, there is a reaction, such as pushing a little red button.

It’s my opinion that when kids do fun activities that go alongside what they’ve read it creates positive memories about reading. If reading is always something positive in their life, then they grow with a love of reading naturally.

These activities also help with comprehension and a child’s ability to recall the things that they’ve read. They also reinforce lessons or concepts that stories teach.

In the following activity, the child will make their own type of “button” book, by folding a piece of paper. Read below for the full lesson outline.

Supplies:

Free template (free download at the end of the post), items to color with, pencil/pen to write with (optional).

Directions:

1. Have your child color the template however they would like.
2. For the template to work it is important to fold the paper correctly (See picture for additional clarification).
1. Place the paper in front of you with the large circle in the top left corner facing up. Fold the paper in half hamburger style, with the large circle going underneath, and the small circles facing up.
2. Fold the paper in half again bringing the large circle in front.
3. Fold the paper in half again now the stretched circle should be in front.
4. Fold the paper in half one last time keeping the single small circle facing you.
5. You're done!

Different Variations:

• To play is easy. Simply have someone press the first circle. After each press, unfold the paper one time, and press again. If you are using the template, something “happens” to the button each time you press it. Once the paper is all the way unfolded, you can refold the paper to play again. It’s a great activity that reinforces the idea of cause and effect, and goes along nicely with the Don’t Push the Button book.
• There is also a mostly blank template. You can follow the picture below for directions on how to fold the “blank” template. However, it is up to the child to decide what happens when the button is pressed. This is great for older children, as they can really let their imagination run wild. Have the child draw their own pictures, and then play the game with them while they describe what happens every time you press the button.