Brainstorm!
The first feature of November is here with Brainstorm! Rebecca Gardyn Levington (Author), Kate Kronreif (Illustrator).
The second I heard about this picture book, I wanted it. Not only do I look up to this author for her amazing writing, rhyming, and kindness in the writing community, but as a previous teacher and now a writer myself, this book was the perfect topic. It really is a beautiful, inspiring, creative read that should absolutely be in every elementary classroom! My kid’s future teachers will definitely be getting a copy for their classroom, and so should yours!
When one child has a hard time deciding what to write about in class, they feel like they have nothing to say. But once a tiny rain drop, I mean… IDEA, hits them, a shower of phrases, adjectivities, adverbs, and ideas come with it. And, it doesn’t stop there! Follow along on this fun rhyming journey as this child discovers their own BRAINSTORM of ideas were there all along.
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these FREE printables below.
Have kids fill in the missing words from the story by using the word bank at the bottom and the book for help.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Have kids reflect on their favorite things to write about, finish the sentence and draw a picture. If they are having difficulties thinking of something, ask them about their favorite things to talk about and do in their free time.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Kids can practice their knowledge of these terms by drawing a line to the correct definition. If they need help, there is A TORNADO OF TERMINOLOGY in the back of the book with these terms and definitions listed.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Here is a simple coloring page of a BRAINSTORM the children can color and decorate to their liking. Maybe challenge older children by having them write in different words that could be in the “brainstorm.”
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
As with every picture book, I also like to offer a fun hands-on activity as an extension of the book.
What better game to play after reading this book, than a game called THE BRAINSTORM GAME! I got this idea from Childhood 101. I’m going to add a little piece to this game to add more of an extension for this specific book, but I’ll explain that later.
This is a simple, yet fun and effective game to get kids thinking creatively and help them develop brainstorm skills. The best part is all you need are common household objects.
How to Play:
Give your child an everyday household object. Childhood 101 recommends to start with a paper tube (from paper towels or toilet paper). Ask them “What else could this object be?” Allow your child to hold the object, touch it, manipulate it, etc. Let them explore. Maybe they use it as a telescope right away. If your child continues to only use it as a telescope for awhile, prompt them with, “What else could it be?” Again, allow your child to explore the object and only prompt as needed.
For older children, you can challenge them with a timer and say, “Show me how many different uses you can for this object in one minute.’" or something like “Can you think of 10, 12, or 15 different uses for this in 5 minutes?”
Here is a list that Childhood 101 provided of other objects you could use:
Here is a list of other common, household objects that you could easily put to use for some creative brainstorming fun;
Pool noodle
Plastic plate
Headscarf
Hairbrush
Wooden spoon
Skipping rope
Saucepan
Saucepan lid
Pair of pants
Bath towel
Ruler
Leaf
Whisk
Sock
Elastic band
CD
A forked stick
Hula hoop
It will be fun to see all the different ideas your child/ren come up with during this activity!
As an extension of this activity, and to bring our picture book, Brainstorm! back in, let’s use these ideas as a writing prompt! Maybe your child decided a paper plate was a frisbee. Provide this journal page and have them draw and write about it.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
I hope your kiddos/students enjoy this story, Brainstorm!, the printables, and hands-on activity!
Please considering purchasing this book using links above or checking it out at your local library. After reading this story, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. :)
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play!—OH MY!
