There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea

Another fun (and totally silly) book we have read quite often during our desert unit is There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea by Jennifer Ward.  This is a silly and outrageous version of the "Old lady who swallowed a fly" books, and it's set in the desert. 

 

 

I wanted to make a project to go along with this book and was thrilled to discover a free printable activity from the author's website.  I used it to make two activities for the children to do independently.  CLICK HERE for a link to the website where you can print your own copy.

The photo below shows the shelf in my science area where I have set up this work.  The middle shelf holds all the materials for this particular book.

 

At the far left in the photo above is a basket which has a laminated numbered strip and laminated pictures of everything the coyote "ate" in the story.  To do this work the child unrolls the strip and places the picture cards in correct order.  They are also numbered on the back so the work is self-correcting.

 

Below you can see the first two cards placed on the strip.  Typepad would not allow me to rotate the photo.....so I apologize for its position.

 

Next to the basket with the sequencing activity are two trays with pages printed directly from the author website.  The child takes one page from each tray and a basket with scissors, glue and a gluing mat (shown at far right in the first photo).  They cut out the pictures and sequence them in order on the grid page.  Then they can take the paper home and retell the story to their family.  Retelling a story is wonderful for working on oral language skills as well as memory.

 

 

Comments

[William]

Thanks for the great idea.
Montessori Schools in Illinois

[chantelle]

that is a great story and ideas! thanks for sharing!

[Christy Jenks]

Long time lurker, first time commenter...

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, and your ideas are fabulous! I haven't seen this book before, but I know my kindergarteners will love it. They love all the "There Was an Old Lady" books.

[Ticia]

One last try to comment.

I love when author's include things like that on their site.