Spring is on its way! One of my favorite things to do with children is to take the classroom outdoors. It is so wonderful to breathe some fresh spring air and do a read aloud outside. One of our favorites is this fun spring writing and art activity to use with an amazing big book called, “In the Tall, Tall Grass,” written by Denise Fleming.
The illustrations in this book are so large, bold and detailed. You feel like you are literally in the middle of a field exploring and experiencing the wonder of the tall, tall grass. In this book the author does a beautiful job telling a story about nature using rhyme and alliteration.
So get your scrap paper, glue sticks and newsprint ready for this creative spring writing and art activity- your kids will love it!
Supplies
- Big book, In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
- Newsprint
- Construction Paper
- Markers – we used Powerlines by Crayola – they are washable, scented, and oh so fun!
- Glue
- Scissors
Making the Project
We kick off the fun by going outdoors for an enjoyable read aloud experience with “In the Tall, Tall Grass.” I like to then take a brief nature walk so that they can explore the outdoors. If you have the ability to sit outside for the writing and art projects, your children will be thrilled!
We began by using a piece of newsprint paper that has the blank space at the top for artwork. We cut strips of green paper and glued them to resemble the tall, tall grass for this art project.
I then asked the children to write the title of the book in their very best handwriting. They are free to use markers or pencils for this writing activity.
Now let the creativity flow! I allow the children to browse the book for inspiration. They are to choose one character from the book to place in their tall, tall grass. We use scrap pieces of paper to freely cut the shape and details of their creature. They then glue their critter on their tall, tall grass. Tip: I let my kiddos add additional details with markers if they’d like.
Once they’ve completed gluing and decorating their critter from the story, I like to encourage them to write the words found on the storybook page. We discuss how the words are fun, rhyming words!
This project really breathed some new life into our writing. Taking children outdoors is such a simple, yet underutilized way to gain interest and joy for writing. I do hope that you are inspired to take this spring writing and art project outside and enjoy the beauty of spring!
More Spring Fun
Looking for more spring activities to do with your kids? We have a great list of pond life activities that are sure to inspire you! If you are stuck inside with rainy weather, grab some spring coloring pages or make your own spring flowers play dough kit!
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3 Responses
Thanks for the book extension idea!!!
You’re most welcome, Faye! Enjoy!