Green, Green….Blue, Blue...
Inspiration Books:
Green by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro, author — Roaring Brook Press, 2012--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 0.8 Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.
AND
Blue by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro — Roaring Brook Press, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3. Companion to: Green. Illustrations and simple, rhyming text celebrate the many shades of blue seen during the relationship of a boy and his dog as the boy grows from a baby to an adult.
Rationale: Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s books offer so many possible learning experiences: an author/illustrator study, colors, seasons, word play, etc. To limit and focus my ideas, I’ve chosen only to emphasize color, especially the colors green and blue. I’ve used green as a sample, but substitute her book Blue instead and follow the same procedure. You can use other colors following the same pattern developed for green. Related posted books: Red Sings from Treetops, The Blacker the Berry and The Black Book of Colors, and Press Here, Willow, Day-Glo Brothers could be part of a larger and ongoing unit about color.
The lesson plan found under the “Teacher Resources” heading The Classroom Bookshelf has excellent ideas, some of which are incorporated in the lessons here. Students in Grades K-2 will take a look at a specific color--in this case green (or blue), but other colors could be substituted, while children in Grades 3-8 will look at colors generally.
Grades K-2 or 3--Green as Grass
Background: Many preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers celebrate the basic primary and secondary colors in a variety of experiences early in the school year. One of my kindergarten teachers celebrates with a different color each Friday during the first quarter; a first grade teacher reviews color words and concepts, the first two weeks of school. The kids love having a color day when everybody wears that color, including the librarian and the teacher and any other adult the kids work with on Color Day. Naturally, this book is perfect for a green themed story time either at the beginning of the year OR St. Patrick’s Day in March or Earth Day or Arbor Day
Preparation:
Computer with Internet access and projection capability and lab accessibility.
If students are very young and can’t easily access a URL, set up the computers for the students to use either or both color programs listed below.
Gather as many books from the bibliography as you have in your collection and others about about colors in general and the color green (blue) in particular.
Gather green (blue) objects, toys, clothing, crayons, etc.
Wear a green (blue) outfit and ask the staff to support you by wearing something green (blue) or provide a green (blue) pin or bauble for them to wear.
Review how the following websites operate
Color with Leo http://www.colorwithleo.com/art_colorwheel.php
Curious George Mix and Paint http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/games/mix_and_paint/mix_and_paint.html
Chart paper or white/chalkboard and green (blue) marker. Divide into three columns: room, book, other.
Introduction: As we enter, let’s take an eye walk around the library. Look for anything green (blue). When we’re ready to sit in the story corner, we’ll talk about what you saw. (Take a stroll, sit down in your usual spot.)I’ll take photos of the green (blue) things. Well, what did you see that was green (blue)? I’ll write down what you saw and take the photos. (Do so.)
Our Inspiration Book today is about “green (blue).”
Read aloud: Green by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro, author — Roaring Brook Press, 2012--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 0.8 Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.
OR
Blue by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro — Roaring Brook Press, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3. Companion to: Green. Illustrations and simple, rhyming text celebrate the many shades of blue seen during the relationship of a boy and his dog as the boy grows from a baby to an adult.
Did you see any other green (blue) things in the book? I’ll write them down, too. (Allow time.) Think about the different greens (blues) in the book. Can you describe any of the green (blue) things we found by using one of Seeger’s describing words? If not, how would you describe this particular green (blue)? (Follow up with some rhymes about the color green, from the books below or from Green Says Go! OP)
Let’s take a walk around the school yard and look for all the different kinds of green (blue). I’ll take more photos of each green (blue) thing, add them to the computer, and then we’ll create a book using the photos. While I add the pictures to the computer, let’s mix some colors and do a little computer painting.
(Demonstrate how one or both of these websites work and give students time to explore while you download the photos.)
Color with Leo http://www.colorwithleo.com/art_colorwheel.php
AND/OR
Curious George Mix and Paint http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/games/mix_and_paint/mix_and_paint.html
(Give students time to work with the two mixing paint computer programs while you download the photos and put them in some sort of order. You may want to print and bind the pages for a classroom or library book that students can browse.
Teacher Resources:
Writing the Book Green blog by Seeger http://forum.teachingbooks.net/?p=9802
Seeger personal website http://studiolvs.com/
Lesson Plan at The Classroom Bookshelf http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2012/05/green/
Interview Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=2331
Video Interview of author http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/seeger
Other Titles for Display and/or Check-out:
A penguin story by Portis, Antoinette — HarperCollins, 2009 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.4. Edna, a penguin who is searching for something different than her world of white snow, blue water, and black night, finds a large, bright orange research station with people wearing similarly colored apparel, and when she brings the other penguins to see, they are all amazed by her discovery.
The artist who painted a blue horse by Carle, Eric — Philomel Books, 2011 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5. An artist paints the world as seen through the imaginative eyes of a child.
Blue Goose by Tafuri, Nancy — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5 When Farmer Gray goes away for the day, Blue Goose, Red Hen, Yellow Chick, and White Duck get together and paint their black and white farm.
Baby Bear sees blue by Wolff, Ashley — Beach Lane Books, 2012 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5. Leaving the den as the weather warms, Baby Bear discovers blue birds, red strawberries, orange butterflies, and other colorful things in nature.
Press here by Tullet, Herve ( — Handprint Books, 2011 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5. Instructs the reader on how to interact with the illustrations to manipulate yellow, blue, and red dots.
Red : a crayon's story by Hall, Michael — Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2015 : -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.5. Red's factory-applied label clearly says that he is red, but despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, he cannot seem to do anything right until a new friend offers a fresh perspective. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.com
Growing colors by McMillan, Bruce — HarperColllins, c1988 p1994--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6 Photographs of green peas, yellow corn, red potatoes, purple beans, and other fruits and vegetables illustrate the many colors of nature.
Lunch by Fleming, Denise — Henry Holt, c1992 p1995--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.6 A very hungry mouse eats a large lunch comprised of colorful foods.
Little blue and little yellow : a story for Pippo and Ann and other children by Lionni, Leo, 1910-1999 — HarperCollins, c1959 p1994--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.7 A little blue spot and a little yellow spot are best friends, and when they hug each other they become green.
Shivery shades of Halloween : a spooky book of colors by Siddals, Mary McKenna — Random House, 2014 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. Looks at colors through Halloween with an adventure through haunted halls, moonlit forests, and a Halloween party.
The great big green by Gifford, Peggy Elizabeth — Boyds Mills Press, an imprint of Highlights, 2014--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9 Tries to get kids to guess what a great big thing full of green things, especially plants and animals, is.
Snap! by Hutchins, H. J — Annick Press, c2015 p2017 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.9. After breaking some of his crayons, Evan realizes he can combine colors to create new ones.
Lemons are not red by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro — Roaring Brook Press, c2004 p2006--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.1 A simple story highlights such things as a yellow lemon, a pink flamingo, and a silver moon in a visual game in which die-cut shapes fall on the correct color backgrounds.
A world of colors : seeing colors in a new way by Houblon, Marie — National Geographic, 2009--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.1
Photographs and simple text explore the relationship between colors and objects with images from around the world, and encourages children to find both expected and surprising colored objects, such as green leaves and pink fish.
P. Zonka lays an egg by Paschkis, Julie — Peachtree Publishers, 2015 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.2. All of the chickens in the farmyard lay eggs regularly-- all except for P. Zonka, that is. She's too busy looking at the colors of the world around her. The other chickens think P. Zonka's just lazy...until she lays the most beautiful egg they've ever seen. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
They say blue by Tamaki, Jillian — Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.2. A young girl describes where she finds colors in both the world around her and beyond what she can see.
My blue is happy by Young, Jessica ( — Candlewick Press, 2013 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.5. A young girl explores emotions that are associated with different colors and begins to understand individual perspective.
Little green peas : a big book of colors by Baker, Keith — Beach Lane Books, 2014 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7. Little green peas make their way into collections of objects of many different colors, from blue boats, seas, and flags, to orange balloons, umbrellas, and fizzy drinks.
Mr. Rabbit and the lovely present by Zolotow, Charlotte — HarperCollins, 1990--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8 Mr. Rabbit helps a little girl assemble a birthday present for her mother.
White is for blueberry by Shannon, George — Greenwillow Books, 2005--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8 Encourages the reader to look at objects in nature from another perspective, observing their colors in a new way.
Wow! said the owl by Hopgood, Tim — Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.8 A curious little owl decides to stay awake to find out how the things he sees at night look during the daytime.
Green pants by Kraegel, Kenneth — Candlewick Press, 2017 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.9. Jameson loves his green pants. When he wears green pants, he can do anything. But if he wants to be in his counsin's wedding, he's going to have to wear a tuxedo--and that means black pants. Will Jameson turn down this big honor; or will he find a way to make everyone happy--including himself?
Red sings from treetops : a year in colors by Sidman, Joyce — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.9 Illustrations and simple text combine the senses of sight, sound, smell, and taste to describe the colors of the seasons.
The day the crayons quit by Daywalt, Drew — Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2013 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.8. When Duncan arrives at school one morning, he finds a stack of letters, one from each of his crayons, complaining about how he uses them.
What's your favorite color? (Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite) by Carle, Eric — Godwin Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2017. 535.6; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.9. In this book, fifteen ... children's book artists draw their favorite colors and explain why they love them.
The day the crayons came home by Daywalt, Drew — Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2015 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.1. The day the crayons quit. One day, Duncan is happily coloring with his crayons when a stack of postcards arrives in the mail from his former crayons, each of which has run away or been left behind, and all of which want to come home.
The crayon man : the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons by Biebow, Natascha — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019 : 338.7; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.4. Tells the story of the invention of the Crayola crayon by inventor Edwin Binney. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
Blue chameleon by Gravett, Emily — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2010 p2011-- 516; Int Lvl: K-3 Chameleon tries his best to fit in, but just cannot seem to make friends.
Grades 3-8--Filled with Color
Background: By now, if you have read some of the “rationale” and “background” sections of each entry, you know that I’ve developed a great working relationship with the art teacher. I search out books to support her curriculum, and the teacher tells me when certain units will be taught. Then, I pull out my lesson plan that correlates with the art study. The art teacher always does a unit on color, mixing, matching, learning about hue, tertiary colors, and concludes by making color wheels with the second graders and again with her upper level students.
Preparation:
Computer with Internet access and projection capability.
Chart paper sheet and green marker for each student group.
Dictionary and thesaurus sets for groups of three students.
Introduction: Laura Vaccaro Seeger writes and illustrates simple picture books that are graphically very interesting and have won a number of awards. One day her editor sent her an email and told her to do a book titled “green.” She thought about that for over a year, when suddenly she had an idea and began to collect green ideas in her notebook.
I have chart paper and a green (blue) marker for each group of three students (decide how you’re going to create groups). On that paper, make a list of as many green (blue) things and green (blue) words and green (blue) phrases that you can think of. (Allow time.)
Listen to and study the illustrations in our Inspiration Book about “green (blue).” Read aloud:
Green by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro, author — Roaring Brook Press, 2012--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 0.8 Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.
OR
Blue by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro — Roaring Brook Press, 2018 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3. Companion to: Green. Illustrations and simple, rhyming text celebrate the many shades of blue seen during the relationship of a boy and his dog as the boy grows from a baby to an adult.
Did you see any other green (blue) things or words or phrases in the book? Think about the different greens (blues) in the book. Now, can you describe any of the green (blue) things you wrote down by using one of Seeger’s describing words? If not, how would you describe a particular green (blue)? Use the dictionaries and the thesaurus I have for each group. Make your list longer.
To get yet another perspective on “green” let’s look at the book again, but this time via a book trailer. View trailer at https://www.teachingbooks.net//booktrailer.cgi?id=1649
Note: You may need to register at TeachingBooks before you can use this trailer.
Blue Video book trailer https://www.teachingbooks.net/booktrailer.cgi?id=4626
Let’s consider green (blue) in poetry form. Mary O’Neill wrote a collection of poems about colors. This is what she wrote about “green (blue)”
Read aloud:
Hailstones and halibut bones : adventures in color by O'Neill, Mary Le Duc — Doubleday Book for Young Readers, c1961 p1989--811; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.4 Presents twelve poems that reflect the author's feelings about various colors.
How many kinds of green (blue) are there?
There’s the lush green of a forest on a late spring day, the fresh, juicy green of a just-cut lime, the incandescent green of a firefly, and the vivid aquamarine of a tropical sea.
Using the dictionaries and the thesaurus for helpers, write an acrostic poem about plain green, or one of the variations of green. Work with your partners for a group writing.
Extension Ideas:
1. Describe a different color.
2. Make your own green (or the color of your choice) book. Have each child choose a kind of green (from the book or one of their own) and then illustrate it.
3. Take a walk around the school, the yard, the park, the library, or the neighborhood and make a list of all the different kinds of green you find. Take pictures of each green and then create a book using those images.
4. Use found objects, paper, yarn, etc. to create collages.
Mix-n-Match 6 to 8 | Teaching And Learning Supports, Tool With this online exhibit by the Exploratorium, you will learn that with just three colors of light (red, blue, and green) you can make over 16 million colors! http://sciencenetlinks.com/tools/mix-n-match/
Other Titles for Display, Sharing and/or Check-out:
Color me a rhyme : nature poems for young people by Yolen, Jane — Wordsong/Boyds Mill Press, c2000 p2003--811; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 3.0 Presents thirteen poems about the colors found in nature, complemented by color photographs.
Hailstones and halibut bones : adventures in color by O'Neill, Mary Le Duc — Doubleday Book for Young Readers, c1961 p1989--811; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.4 Presents twelve poems that reflect the author's feelings about various colors.
The day-glo brothers : the true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and brand-new colors by Barton, Chris — Charlesbridge, 2009--535; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.7 Illustrations and easy-to-follow text describe how brothers Bob and Joe Switzer invented fluorescent paint and colors; and explains how fluorescence works.
Living color by Jenkins, Steve, 1952- — Houghton Mifflin, 2007--591.47; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.8 Looks at a wide range of colorful animals, describing how their feathers, scales, shells, and skin help them survive, warn predators, signal friends, attract a mate, or hide from their enemies.
Pantone colors eBook — Abrams Appleseed, 2012--535.6; Int Lvl: K-3 Simple text and illustrations introduce several colors in many shades.
