Planting a Rainbow

I've consistently used Lois Ehlert's "Planting a Rainbow" for garden and color themed programs since I started doing storytimes.

This absolutely justifies the inordinate amount of time spent making these felt flowers...



At storytime, I introduced the book as the source material and then did an abridged take on the story.

Script:
"Hey everybody, I want to plant a rainbow flower garden in the library. Everyone pick a seed for the flower you want to plant. Think of the color. Will it be red, orange, yellow, blue or purple? It can be whatever color you want!

Now let's squat down and dig a hole with our shovels. (mimicked digging hole)
Put your seed in the hole..."
begin singing to tune of "Farmer in the Dell"

The gardener plants the seeds, (pretend to plant seed)

The gardener plants the seeds,

Heigh ho the derry oh

The gardener plants the seeds.

speaking-"Ok now let's cover it with dirt. What do we need for a seed to grow?" (wait for it...water or sun)

sing-The rain begins to fall... (make raining motions with falling fingers)

The sun comes out to shine... (make a sun with arms)

The seeds begin to grow... (ask everyone to slowly stand up)

The flowers open wide... (spread out arms with hands open)

speaking again-

"Wow look at all the beautiful flowers!

I see:

 red carnations

  

 a red tulip

  

an orange zinnia

  

an orange tulip

  

an orange poppy

  

an orange tiger lily

  

yellow daffodils

  

 a yellow marigold

  

green ferns

  

blue morning glories

 

a blue delphinium

a purple iris

a purple crocus

 purple phlox 

A rainbow of colors!

Then we go over the colors one more time...

If you are thinking "OMG, he is insane, that is way to much!!!" I agree. It is definitely too many parts for toddlers...in the future I will use just one of each color. Thanks for the advice! ;)

Flannel Friday on Literary Hoots