Teaching With Chrysanthemum

I love the book Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes for a first day back to school, and when over 40 people also agreed on social media, I knew that it was a pretty popular book for elementary teachers! 

Many noted on the Facebook Fan Page what they used the book for at the beginning of the year, and I wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to check it out as well, so I compiled them so you could review and print if you felt the need.

Chrysanthemum is a beloved children’s book written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. It tells the story of a young mouse named Chrysanthemum who loves her unique name until she starts school and faces teasing from her classmates.

The book explores themes of self-acceptance, bullying, and the power of kindness.

Chrysanthemum is not only an engaging and entertaining story, but it also serves as a valuable and suitable teaching tool in the classroom.

Using literature as a teaching tool is essential for children’s development.

It helps them develop language skills, enhances their imagination, and fosters a love for reading.

Books like Chrysanthemum provide opportunities for educators to engage students in meaningful discussions, explore important themes, and teach valuable life lessons.

By incorporating literature into the curriculum, teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that promotes the ultimate critical thinking, empathy, and self-reflection.

Introduction to Chrysanthemum as a Teaching Tool

Chrysanthemum is a heartwarming story that resonates with children of all ages. The book follows Chrysanthemum as she navigates the challenges of starting school and dealing with teasing from her classmates about her unique name. Through Chrysanthemum’s journey, children learn about the importance of self-acceptance, the impact of bullying, and the power of kindness.

In the classroom, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach a variety of appropriate subjects and skills. It can be incorporated into language arts lessons to enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. It can also be used to teach social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, such as empathy and self-esteem. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach diversity and acceptance, as well as STEM concepts.

Incorporating Chrysanthemum into Lesson Plans

This picture book can be incorporated into various subject areas and lesson plans. In language arts, teachers can use the book to teach vocabulary by introducing new words from the story and discussing their meanings. Students can also practice grammar skills by identifying different sentence structures and parts of speech in the text. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used as a model for writing activities, such as personal narratives or persuasive essays.

In social studies, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach best examples of diversity and acceptance. Teachers can lead discussions about different cultures, names, and traditions, and how they contribute to our society’s rich tapestry. Students can also explore the concept of bullying and discuss strategies for creating a more inclusive and accepting environment.

In science, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach concepts related to plants and flowers. Students can learn about the life cycle of a chrysanthemum, the different parts of a flower, and the importance of plants in our ecosystem. Math concepts can also be integrated by having students count and graph the number of letters in their own names, comparing them to Chrysanthemum’s name.

Using Chrysanthemum to Teach Language Arts

Chrysanthemum is an excellent resource for teaching language arts skills. Teachers can use the book to introduce new vocabulary words and discuss their meanings. Students can then practice using these words in context by writing sentences or creating their own stories. Additionally, Chrysanthemum can be used to teach grammar skills, such as identifying different sentence structures (e.g., simple, compound, complex) or parts of speech (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives).

The book also employs various literary devices that can be explored in the classroom. For example, teachers can discuss the use of similes and metaphors in the text and have students identify and analyze them. They can also explore the author’s use of descriptive language and imagery to create vivid mental images for the reader. By examining these literary devices, students develop a deeper understanding of how authors use language to convey meaning and evoke emotions.

Chrysanthemum and Social Emotional Learning

Chrysanthemum is a powerful tool for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. The book addresses important themes such as empathy, self-esteem, and acceptance, which are essential for students’ emotional well-being and social development.

To teach empathy, teachers can lead discussions about how Chrysanthemum feels when she is teased by her classmates. Students can reflect on times when they have felt similar emotions and discuss strategies for showing empathy towards others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Role-playing activities are perfect and can also be used to help students practice empathy and understand different perspectives.

To promote self-esteem and self-acceptance, teachers can guide discussions about Chrysanthemum’s journey towards embracing her unique qualities. Students can reflect on their own strengths and qualities and create self-affirmation statements to boost their self-esteem. Additionally, teachers can encourage students to celebrate their differences by creating a classroom environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance.

Teaching Diversity and Acceptance with Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a wonderful book for teaching diversity and acceptance. The story highlights the importance of embracing different cultures, names, and traditions. Teachers can lead discussions about the significance of names and how they contribute to our individual identities. Students can share the stories behind their own names and learn about the diverse names and cultures represented in their classroom.

Teachers can also use Chrysanthemum to explore the concept of bullying and its impact on individuals and communities. Students can discuss the consequences of bullying and brainstorm strategies for creating a more inclusive and accepting environment. Role-playing activities can be used to help students practice standing up against bullying and supporting their peers.

Chrysanthemum and STEM Education

Chrysanthemum can be used to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts in an engaging and interactive way. The book provides opportunities for students to explore science concepts related to plants and flowers. Teachers can guide discussions about the life cycle of a chrysanthemum, the different parts of a flower, and the role of plants in our ecosystem.

Math concepts can also be integrated into lessons using Chrysanthemum. For example, students can count and graph the number of letters in their own names, comparing them to Chrysanthemum’s name. They can also practice measuring by estimating and measuring the height of different flowers or creating a bar graph to represent the number of flowers in a garden.

Chrysanthemum and Art Education

Chrysanthemum’s illustrations and art style make it a valuable resource for art education. The book’s vibrant and expressive illustrations capture the emotions and experiences of the characters, providing inspiration for students’ own artwork.

Teachers can guide students in creating their own illustrations inspired by the book. They can explore different art techniques, such as watercolor, collage, or mixed media, to bring their illustrations to life. Students can also create their own chrysanthemum flowers using various art materials and techniques, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting.

Tips for Effective Chrysanthemum Teaching

To effectively use Chrysanthemum as a teaching tool, it is important to engage students and promote discussion. Here are some tips for making the most of this book in the classroom:

1. Read aloud: Read the book aloud to the class, using expressive voices and gestures to bring the story to life. This will help captivate students’ attention and make the story more engaging.

2. Pause for discussion: After reading each section or chapter, pause to ask questions and encourage students to share their thoughts and reactions. This will promote critical thinking and allow students to reflect on the themes and messages of the book.

3. Use visual aids: Display the book’s illustrations on a projector or whiteboard to help students visualize the story and make connections between the text and the images.

4. Encourage reflection: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own experiences and connect them to the themes in the book. This will help them make personal connections and deepen their understanding of the story.

5. Adapt for different age groups: Chrysanthemum can be adapted for different age groups and learning levels. For younger students, focus on the basic themes of kindness and acceptance. For older students, delve deeper into topics such as bullying, self-esteem, and diversity.

Need a few more examples of activity ideas from other educators?

Grab your free download below!

Click here to email your freebie

Thanks to all who contributed and have a great rest of the school year!