Sunflower Story and a Craft

A few weeks ago, I held a Sunflower Story and Craft program for kids aged 2-5.

I read:

• Sunflower by Miela Ford
• See it Grow: Sunflower by Joyce Markovics
• Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

We sang along to Raffi's version of "Mr. Sun" and danced with scarves. 

I borrowed my daughter's flower builders play set and the kids were also able to play with the pieces from my 5 Little Flowers flannel board. 

We made foam sunflowers and crows from an Oriental Trading craft kit they appear to no longer sell, but there is an even cuter idea in from Artsy Toddler Storytimes for a more homemade one. 

Fingerplays and Action Rhymes: 

One Little Seed*

One little seed is all I've got
Watch me plant it in my pot.
With sunlight and a rainshower,

What do you know?

Up pops a sunflower.

Five Little Flowers (from PreschoolEducation.com)

One little flower had nothing much to do,

Out popped another one, then there were ________. 

Two little flowers were smiling at the bee,

Out popped another one, then there were _________. 

Three little flowers were growing by the door,

Out popped another one, then there were __________. 

Four little flowers were glad to be alive,

Out popped another one, then there were __________.

Little Flower Open Up (from Artsy Toddler Storytimes)
Little flower open up (Start crouched down and then begin to stand)
Open up your petals bright (Open up arms to the side)
Swaying in the sunshine light (Sway side to side)
Little flower in the night, (Put arms back to sides)
Closing up your petals tight (Bring arms back in and hug self)

*I adapted this from a rhyme accompanying pop-up counting puppets from Discount School Supply. I wanted it to make it more about sunflowers. I didn't actually use the puppet.