MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook Library: Red – A Crayon’s Story + *Create Your Own Label* Crayon Craft

by MaiStoryBook

Introducing a back-to-school read about being true to who you are on the inside~ featured in MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall

Book Synopsis and Review

This is a story of a crayon: Red – who was labeled red on the *outside*, but was completely different on the *inside.* However, because of his label, everyone expected Red to be *red*~ to do *red* things, like draw *red* strawberries and fire trucks, and mix with his friend Yellow to make an *Orange.* But when each of his drawings come out *blue*~ and his orange turns out to be not so orange, but *green* ~ the other crayons frown upon him, ignoring the fact that maybe on the inside, he’s not what his label says he is. *He’s not pressing hard enough~ he’s lazy~ he’ll get it one day…* It takes one special request from a special crayon friend who can see who Red truly is, to help Red realize for himself who he is on the inside. Red will realize, nothing’s *wrong* with him, he’s not *broken* inside like the other crayons may lead him to believe, but rather, he is exactly who he is supposed to be, and so much more than his label.

Another perfect back-to-school read~ with the pressures of peer-pressure upon returning to school, this story encourages little ones to ignore false labels and to stay true to who they are on the inside. Classmates may not see who you truly are, and can give you a label that doesn’t fit. Red and his story helps guide little ones to understand that they are more than their labels, and that it is important to stay true to who they are on the inside. Small snippets of wisdom are weaved throughout this story, from mini lessons on color mixing and color names, to expectations and even false accusations, this is a book that can be read on many different levels varying on your audience. It is a simple, entertaining read *with quirky comments from different crayon colors*~ with a meaningful message for all.

Vocabulary

  • Olive (p. 3) a grayish-green color
  • Scarf (p. 13) a long piece of cloth or fabric that you wear around your neck
  • Factory (p. 16) a building where things are made
  • Brilliant (p. 34) very talented and smart
  • Intense (p. 35) strong feelings and emotions

Themes/ Main Ideas

  • Be true to who you are on the inside~ Don’t let others label you and decide who you are and how you should act
  • Look beyond labels and get to know people for who they truly are ~ Don’t judge someone based on their labels~ take the time to get to know them

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Red: A Crayon’s Story” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

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*Create Your Own Label* Crayon Craft

As a new teacher, one of my goals this year is to create a classroom environment and community where all students fell safe, and encouraged, to be their true selves. I want students to be eager to get to know each other *all of each other*~ to truly get to know one another and find out who they are on the inside.  One way to start building classroom community: Starting the days with a *Morning Meeting.* A Morning Meeting is a time for students to greet each other, share personal news with each other, participate in a community building activity, and then preview together our day ahead. Students shouldn’t have to worry about being labeled *unless it’s a label they want* ~ each child is a multi-faceted being on the *inside* it would be impossible to have just one label. But~ if you were to choose one thing about who you truly are *on the inside* that you really want people to know, this craft gives you the chance to do just that~ to create your own label to share with others. Choose one word that shares a little about your inner self with others~ Don’t let others label you~ create your own!

Materials

Directions

  • Download the Crayon Label Template Here
  • Use the crayons to color the label
  • Choose one word that describes who you are on the inside to create your very own *label*~ and write it on the line on the crayon label
  • Cut out the label

  • Wrap it around the toilet paper roll and glue/tape it on.
  • Using the brown construction paper, cut out a small circle for your head, and 4 long strips for arms and legs.
  • Cut out your hair from the other paper color.

  • Tape/glue the hair to the back of the head.
  • Draw the face.
  • Tape/Glue the head, arms, and legs to the toilet paper roll.

Enjoy Your *Create Your Own Labels* Crayon Craft

  • Share your Crayon Label Craft with family and friends to share your label that tells them about who you are on the inside
  • Use your craft as a reading buddy while you reread the story
  • Make a crayon craft with friends and have a playdate with your crayon crafts~ acting out pretend scenarios of acknowledging each others labels and getting to know each other for who you are on the inside
  • Keep you crayon craft in your room to remind you to stay to true to yourself, and to not let other people’s labels define you

*~Overall, have fun creating and sharing  your  *Create Your Own Label* Crayon Craft,  and I hope you and your little ones have a great First Day of School!  – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary, Twitter @MaiStoryBook  – or post on FaceBook to share your photos of your own *Create Your Own Label* Crayon Craft, and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you!~*

*Check Back on Next Friday for our New Reading Adventure*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*