Storybook Summer post by Bethany of No Twiddle Twaddle
In the picture book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the letters one by one climb up the coconut tree. But, unfortunately, the whole alphabet of 26 letters weighs a little bit more than the poor tree can handle bringing down the coconut tree with a “boom boom”. I love this book for its lively interpretation of the alphabet, its rhythmic catchy text, and its bright colorful illustrations.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Craft with No Twiddle Twaddle
Supplies:
- Tub or Bin – I used a disposable cooking pan with lid.
- Pipe cleaners – 7-10 pipe cleaners for the leaves, 5-6 pipe cleaners for the trunk of the tree
- Small pom poms – 3
- Letters in different colors and textures – I chose magnet letters, dyed alphabet pasta, and beads. I also threw in some green rice for “grass” (optional)
- Kid safe glue
Directions:
- Bend 7-10 pipe cleaners (for leaves) in half.
- Hold the bent pipe cleaners together in a clump with the bent ends up.
- Starting at the middle and working down, wrap the 5-6 pipe cleaners (for the trunk) one by one around the bent pipe cleaners to hold them together. (Note: An adult may need to help with this step to make sure that the ends of the pipe cleaners are fastened inside securely and that the trunk has no sharp edges. We did not use glue, but you could use some to fasten the trunk more securely.)
- Leave either a little bit of the bottom of the bent pipe cleaners sticking out to fold into roots or make the trunk wide at the bottom so that the tree will be able to stand up easily.
- Fluff out the top of the tree to make the leaves of the coconut tree.
- Glue the pom poms to the tree.
My preschooler made a lovely coconut tree with bright leaves and a black trunk. He insisted that his coconut tree have googly eyes. I’m definitely not one to make rules about the right way to make a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree. So, here is his creation: (I think the googly eyes added a nice touch, don’t you?)
The child can then place his coconut tree inside the bin with the letters and play. Depending on the child’s age and interest, you could direct sensory play by:
- Use alphabet cards and have the child match letters to the cards.
- Mimic the book’s rhyme while placing the letters on the coconut tree. Don’t forget to let the tree fall!
- Just let your child play. Add spoons, cups, and other household items to give your child a full sensory experience. (If your child is not ready to learn the names of the letters, just playing with the letters allows a stress free exposure to the shapes of the letters which will help prepare your child for learning quickly when he/she is ready.)
I would love to hear what you think. Do love Chicka Chicka Boom Boom as much as we do?
Bethany started No Twiddle Twaddle in January, 2012, to create a kid lit and play blog that combines love for great literature with a down to earth perspective of a mom with small children. When she’s not writing (or folding the never ending stack of laundry), you might find her killing dragons in the backyard, joining a mission to Mars, or if lucky curled up on the couch reading to her kids.
Bethany posts a daily free kids’ eBook list each day in addition to her picture book reviews, book lists, and play ideas. Take her virtual tour today to check out all her most popular posts.
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where did you find alphabet pasta? I want to make a bin like yours and can’t find it anywhere
Hi, Emily. My local grocery store (Publix) sells alphabet pasta as a store brand product. I have also seen it at Walmart and on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=alphabet+pasta. I hope that you have fun making the bin!
I love the trees and the sensory bin!
Thanks, Isil.
I’ve actually never read this book before but certainly want to now! What an adorable activity and I loved the pics!
Thanks, Debs. It is a really cute book. My kid doesn’t like “alphabet books” as a general rule, and even he will listen to it.
Love! I almost want to wake up my LO so we can do this activity! Almost. I think tomorrow will be soon enough, but I’ll gather supplies now. I haven’t seen alphabet pasta–I’ll have to look for that. Thanks for some fun!
Thanks, Lynda. I found mine at a local grocery store Publix. You can also order it for a reasonable price on Amazon. I hope that you have fun making it. : )
I love that your son added googley eyes, i think they make the tree very unique
I will have to pass that comment on to him. : ) I think it’s amazing how creative kids can be when you let them.
Love this idea.
Thank you, Amber.
Clever idea.
Thanks!
Your tree creations are so cute! This is such a great way to retell the story!
Thank you so much!
My three girls are in their twenties now, but growing up this was one of their favorite books. I’ve taught preschool for twenty five years now, and this continues to be a favorite classic I always use. This activity will to be a great for using in my classroom. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Barbara. It is amazing to think that this book has been a favorite for so long. : ) I’m so glad that you will be able to use the craft in your classroom.
Very cute palm tree! I’m a huge fan of kids books as well. You can never have enough! Recently, my husband and I went to an open house and he LOVED the house (new paint syndrome, I think), but I was concerned. “Where would we put all the book cases?” I said. “Maybe we should get rid of some of the books!” he replied. No. That’s not an option.
Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com
I agree, Lindsey. We have books everywhere, but I can’t part with any either! Thanks, I’m so glad that you like the tree. : )
I love the twine trees!!! So fun, when I used to teach I used cookie sheets and magnets. Kids loved it but this is even more fun.
Thank you so much, Mari. We had a lot of fun making the trees!
That’s adorable, my son insists on putting googly eyes on everything too. I love the suggestion of creating open ended sensory play even when a child isn’t ready to learn the alphabet yet.
Thanks, Ness. I was a little skeptical at first at how the googly eyes would look, but it’s hard not to love the originality. : )
How freakin cute is this!
Thanks, Meghan. : )