Flower Power Story
Gather children for story time and read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss with expression and enthusiasm. Pause at key moments to ask predictive and reflective questions: "What do you think will happen next?" "Why did the little boy keep watering his seed?" After reading, facilitate a comprehension discussion. Ask children to recall the sequence of events: What happened at the beginning? Middle? End? Who were the characters? What did they say? Encourage children to share their favourite parts and personal connections. Transition to the art activity by explaining that children will create beautiful handprint flowers. Distribute paper plates and pre-cut handprint shapes traced on colourful sugar paper (approximately ten per child prepared in advance). Guide children to glue handprints around the plate edge with fingers pointing outward like petals. Add a second and third layer toward the centre. Finally, have each child glue their photo in the centre. Display completed flowers while discussing the story once more.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
- Paper plates
- Assorted colour sugar paper
- Wallet-size pictures of each child
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
Gather children for story time and read The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss with expression and enthusiasm. Pause at key moments to ask predictive and reflective questions: "What do you think will happen next?" "Why did the little boy keep watering his seed?"
After reading, facilitate a comprehension discussion. Ask children to recall the sequence of events: What happened at the beginning? Middle? End? Who were the characters? What did they say? Encourage children to share their favourite parts and personal connections.
Transition to the art activity by explaining that children will create beautiful handprint flowers. Distribute paper plates and pre-cut handprint shapes traced on colourful sugar paper (approximately ten per child prepared in advance).
Guide children to glue handprints around the plate edge with fingers pointing outward like petals. Add a second and third layer toward the centre. Finally, have each child glue their photo in the centre. Display completed flowers while discussing the story once more.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to listen attentively, recall story events, and follow directions to create their handprint flower.