Need a quick and easy summer craft? Me too! That’s why I ran to get out one of my favorite summer holiday books – The Watermelon Seed!
This treasured preschool book combines well with a simple painting art craft to help retell the story. I can’t wait to share this watermelon seed activity with you!
Supplies
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- Black pom poms – I linked a color pack here for future pompom activities.
- Green party hat – A must bring the book to life.
- Paintbrushes for kids – Don’t use your fancy stuff! Grab some paintbrushes specifically for kids to use when they want to get messy.
- The Watermelon Seed book – I always start with this book as it helps set the scene and fires the imagination!
- Washable liquid paint – If you don’t have any paint yet for sensory activities, I recommend this starter set.
RELATED: Want to paint but not sure where to start? You’ll want to read how to paint with kids.
How to Do The Watermelon Seed Activity
Step 1. Read the story to your preschooler more than once.
Before retelling The Watermelon Seed, allow them to become familiar with the characters, plot, and storyline.
Step 2. Make the props for the story re-tell.
Cut your watermelon from cardboard and paint it pink using red and white. Next, attach velcro circles and pom poms to your painted watermelon. Your preschooler will be able to take the “watermelon seeds” on and off and put them into the crocodile’s mouth. Finally, fill your Book Box to retell The Watermelon Seed.
Step 3. Retell The Watermelon Seed
The Watermelon Seed is a perfect choice for a story retelling. It is a fun, colorful story that preschoolers love, and the storyline is simple and engaging.
Use props to show the crocodile’s interactions with the watermelon seeds as you read. The seeds are velcro! This is perfect for fine motor muscles and helps with fine motor skills. Add the black pom poms to represent the seeds eaten by the crocodile as it is read in the story.
Step 4. Allow your preschooler to take the props as you read or retell the story.
PRO TIP: Keep your items in the book box so your preschooler can reach and use them to retell when desired.
Let your child get creative and take charge by allowing them to grab the props for the story. Read more about the importance of reading books to children.
RELATED: Looking for craft supplies? Here are 20+ art supplies we use often.
We Love This Watermelon Seed Activity!
I can’t tell you how much my youngest loves this activity! He can’t wait to get involved and tell his version of the story (which is what we want!). Bring your book and story props outside for some summer fun with your little one.
When will you make your simple watermelon craft to retell The Watermelon Seed?
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Watermelon Seed is a fun book for ages 2.5+. I am in my forty’s and think it is fantastic. Add this book to your summer reading list with kids!
Check out my friend, Happily Ever Elephants summer book list for kids!
Water play is a summer fan favorite! Here are 30 summer activities for toddlers.
Equipment
- none
Materials
- black pom poms
- paintbrushes for kids
- The Watermelon Seed book
- Washable Liquid Paint
Instructions
- Read the story to your preschooler more than once.
- Cut your watermelon from cardboard and paint it pink using red and white. Next, attach velcro circles and pom poms to your painted watermelon. Your preschooler will be able to take the “watermelon seeds” on and off and put them into the crocodile’s mouth. Finally, fill your Book Box to retell The Watermelon Seed.
- Use props to show the crocodile’s interactions with the watermelon seeds as you read. The seeds are velcro! This is perfect for fine motor muscles and helps with fine motor skills. Add the black pom poms to represent the seeds eaten by the crocodile as it is read in the story.
- Allow your preschooler to take the props as you read or retell the story.
