You rock, Rock!

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This week I delved into new territory: ROCKS.  We have a couple of really great rock books, one in particular that has checked out a ton, so I went forward.

BOOKS:

We read Rhoda's Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin and Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen Martin.  

Rhoda's Rock Hunt is a little long, but there are lots of opportunities for interaction throughout.  I can also see this working well as a touch and see storytime - bring in different rocks like those Rhoda describes for participants to see and touch as you read.  Charlotte and the Rock is short and delightful, a wonderful storytime read.  Not to mention Samantha Cotterill's illustrations are beautiful.

SONG:

I got out all of my instruments and we played along with my ukulele and sang "Big Rock Candy Mountain."  I had to think REALLY hard about this one because I used the Okee Dokee Brothers' lyrics rather than the folksy original lyrics about cigarette trees and little streams of alkey-hool. Here's the Okee Dokee Brothers version:

SONG:

We also listened to "My Pet Rock" by Recess Monkey.  The kids got another chance to try out a different instrument while we listened to this one.

CRAFT:

In storytime, we painted rocks using tempera paint.   I did prepare a different activity for my storytime kit, since it's difficult to send paint home easily.  I provided a sheet of rock explorations that parents and children can do together.  

Rock Exploration

  • Look at your rocks.  Are they hard or soft?  Smooth or rough?  Heavy or light?  What do you notice about your rocks?  Are they sparkly or dull?
  • Spray your rocks with water.  Does it change how the rocks looks?
  • Scratch your rocks on the black and white construction paper.  Do the rocks make marks on the paper?
  • Weigh them using a bathroom or kitchen scale.
  • Scratch your rocks against each other – Harder rocks will leave a mark on a softer rock.
  • Ask a grown-up to help you drip vinegar on your rocks.  If the vinegar fizzes, your rock is made of chalk marble or limestone.
  • Decorate your rock – use paint, crayons, or markers, to decorate your rock.