Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
Two weeks before this lesson, collect delicate flowers such as poppies, buttercups, tiny daisies, pansies, or fern fronds. Press them between coffee filters inside a heavy book, checking that they dry flat. Begin the lesson by displaying a large copy of "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" and reciting it with animated expression. Point to words as you read, emphasising the rhyming pairs: contrary/Mary, grow/row, bells/shells. Invite children to join in recitation, repeating several times until comfortable. Divide children into small groups to practise reciting together. Circulate to support and encourage. Have children identify rhyming words and clap each time they hear a rhyme. Transition to creating pressed flower bookmarks. Distribute pre-cut cardstock rectangles and have children write their names on the back. Carefully remove pressed flowers from the book. Guide each child to select three to five flowers and arrange them on their bookmark using creativity. Use tweezers to place flowers gently on brushed glue, ensuring they lie flat. Allow to dry completely. Laminate for durability if desired. Conclude by reciting the rhyme one final time while admiring completed bookmarks.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- Fresh, delicate flowers (collected 2 weeks in advance)
- Coffee filters (optional)
- Heavy book for pressing
- Cardstock strips
- Scissors, glue, tweezers
- Laminating machine (optional)
- Large written copy of nursery rhyme
Instructions
Two weeks before this lesson, collect delicate flowers such as poppies, buttercups, tiny daisies, pansies, or fern fronds. Press them between coffee filters inside a heavy book, checking that they dry flat.
Begin the lesson by displaying a large copy of "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary" and reciting it with animated expression. Point to words as you read, emphasising the rhyming pairs: contrary/Mary, grow/row, bells/shells. Invite children to join in recitation, repeating several times until comfortable.
Divide children into small groups to practise reciting together. Circulate to support and encourage. Have children identify rhyming words and clap each time they hear a rhyme.
Transition to creating pressed flower bookmarks. Distribute pre-cut cardstock rectangles and have children write their names on the back. Carefully remove pressed flowers from the book. Guide each child to select three to five flowers and arrange them on their bookmark using creativity. Use tweezers to place flowers gently on brushed glue, ensuring they lie flat.
Allow to dry completely. Laminate for durability if desired. Conclude by reciting the rhyme one final time while admiring completed bookmarks.
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 and repeat the rhyme and follow steps to create their pressed flower bookmark.