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Moving Words about a Flower
Last updated Friday, September 29, 2023
Author: K.C. Hays
Illustrator: Barbara Chotiner
Date of Publication: 2022
ISBN: 1623541654
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2022
Synopsis:
The inspiring story of a dandelion that survives against all odds, ingeniously told through shape poems (also called "concrete poems") full of visual surprises. When it rains, letters fall from the sky; and when seeds scatter, words FLY!
Each playful page will have readers looking twice. The back of the book includes more information about the life cycle of the humble, incredible dandelion.
| Note to readers: |
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At the end of the book, there’s an explanation of the lifecycle of a dandelion. It’s too
detailed for first graders, but you can familiarize yourself with the information and explain
the pictures to them.
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There may be dandelions growing nearby that you can bring with you to show.
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You may want to spend some time reviewing the book so you can read it smoothly (as
the words are not in straight lines).
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Follow along with your finger as you read the words, so the kids can really see how the
words “move.”
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Ask if they know what a dandelion is and tell them to describe it. Perhaps they think it’s
the yellow flower, or the puffy white seeds. You can explain that it’s both. Show them the
lifecycle pages so they’re familiar with the facts before reading the beautiful poetic
version.
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Where do flowers grow? Have they ever seen one on a street or sidewalk?
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Explain that this book is different because the words aren’t written in boring lines. They
seem to move around the page.
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Talk about the four seasons. Which is their favorite?
Vocabulary:
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Sprout: the very beginning of a plant coming out of the seed
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Concrete: hard gray material used on streets and buildings
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Feathery: very soft and light
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Took a mighty breath: took a big deep breath
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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As you go through the book, note how the seasons are changing.
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Point out the words describing rain remind you of a storm, the description of a rainbow
looks like a rainbow, the dandelion, etc.
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The page showing how the dandelion grew illustrates the lifecycle you’ve explained.
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How does the wind “plant” more dandelions?
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Do you think the dandelions will grow better in the field? Why would it be difficult to grow
in concrete? (When the wind blows the seeds, they can land in soil and spread faster)
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We followed three seeds, but look at all the dandelions in the field! How did that
happen?
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How did the girl’s breath act like the wind?
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Explain at the end that the story will be starting all over again (describe a cycle)
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Share the fun facts at the end of the book, but use simpler language. People can eat
dandelions too!
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| Craft ideas: |
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Use dark (blue or black) paper as a background to color bright yellow flowers and puffy
white balls
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Try writing a “shape poem.” You could draw a sun and write words as rays, for instance.
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If you can plan supplies ahead of time, gather some Q-tips, small styrofoam balls, and
green straws. Use them to build a “puffy” dandelion.
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With yellow tissue paper and green pipe cleaners, you can make dandelions
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Write the letters of your name in a different shape – circle, curves, vertically…
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For a Thanksgiving craft, you can outline their hands to draw the silhouette of a turkey
and color it in.
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/november-2022-seasons-the-natural-world/
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| Special activities: |
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Take a big deep breath and pretend to blow dandelion seeds as far as you can. (Some
people make a wish when they blow the seeds. What would you wish?)
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Did you notice any dandelions around the school? Help the kids find them.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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