The Tiny Seed

I read my first grade students The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle.  It is a great way to tie into science and nature.  I also put the word texture on the board.  I point out the way Eric Carle uses texture in his pictures.  When students have their picture glued, I ask them to use a permanent marker to add texture in their picture (seeds inside the flower, roots, veins in the leaf, etc.)  I also point out how Eric Carle uses size relationships to make the flowers look small and BIG.  Students put one or two details in the picture that help show size relationships.  Another great way to have fun with size relationships is to cut and glue a photo of each student next to the flower.