Thursday, March 22, 2012

Flannel Friday: Princess and the Pea

Not truly a flannel contriubtion today, but I feel like it does fit the overall spirit of Flannel Friday!  Here's a fun way to tell the story of the Princess and the Pea.  I'm sure the idea is not original, but I did not base my particular idea on anyone else.



Start saving your cereal boxes! (And oatmeal, and envelopes, and Lean Cuisine!) Behind each piece of fabric is any random box, as seen here.  I considered making them all match size-wise, but really thought the mismatched pattern was more fun.  Because the boxes are different depths, this mattress stack ends up being a bit tall - typically taller than your average storytime guest while seated on their bottom.  I think that height makes the story more enchanting - truly "bigger than life" to them.

As you tell the story, you'll place your pea under the first box.  It's never tipped over on me, but just practice to make sure you get it balanced.  My little pea is made of play-doh and left to dry (sorry, the picture isn't great.)  Once dry, it was painted with fabric paint (no reason...just what I had) to give it a better green color.  The princess on top is a random (old) princess doll that we happen to have at our Library. I am sure you have one, too. You could also use a Barbie, if you had one of those sitting around somewhere.


If anyone would like the text that I use when telling the story, I would be happy to send it to you (just leave me a comment).  It is a very simple text that emphasizes the Prince's search for a real Princess.  In the pouring down rain, a girl comes to the door claiming to be a princess, and the mother of the prince (skeptical) goes to hide the pea beneath all the mattresses -the best mattresses, covered in her finest fabrics.  You can have the kids help you make rain and thunder for the storm, knock on the castle door, and feel the soft fabrics of the mattress. 

This story has been a huge hit whenever I use it.  It is very appealing to young gradeschool class visits, as well as storytimes for the preschool age.  It is a good reminder of how powerful storytelling can be...no book, just the power of a great story. 

30 comments:

  1. I love your "enchanting" idea! I think it would be perfect for the Summer Reading Program ~ "Dream Big ~ Read!" It would definitely go with the other story I'm working on. It's about a Knight and 3 sleepy Dragons. Maybe I'll name my week "Dream Royal ~ Read!" LOL

    Thanks for the idea! I would love a copy of your script. Thank you for offering it. My email is storytimeabcs@gmail.com

    I'm going to share this idea with one of my co-workers. Maybe we can plan this together. Although... we might have to take it a little "bigger" since we tend to get pretty crazy with our SRP presentations. ;-}

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  2. Sarah, This is darling. I'd love a copy of your script. I will definitely do this at storytime. My email is fussyhen@gmail.com.

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  3. I would love a copy of your script too!! I have a royal storytime theme I like to do and this would be perfect for it :)

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  4. Could you send me a copy of your script as well! email is kerryvandenhengel@gmail.com
    Thank you :)

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  5. @ Miss Amanda - can you send me your email? Thanks! (Blogger says I cannot see your profile).

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  6. I'm doing a princess party and will be borrowing this idea. Thanks! Can you send me your script at dragoom[at]hepl.lib.in.us Thanks a million! Melissa

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  7. Hi Miss Sarah, I would love a copy of your script, please! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Jennifer
    lewisgrade5@gmail.com

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  8. Could you please send me your script at thirteen59@gmail.com?
    Thanks!

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  9. I would love the script too, thank you! ppeter@newton.lib.ia.us

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  10. Can I get a copy of the script too! I'm doing a Fairy Tale series for my preschool storytimes starting in January and this would be PERFECT! lvmarel@orlandparklibrary.org

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  11. I would really like a copy of the script for storytime. I love this cute idea!! Thanks so much for sharing. My email is kathryn.roach@wakegov.com

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  12. What a charming way to show this story! I would love to have your text, if you would be so kind as to send this to me. You really are an inspiration. My email is vmpebe@lib.il.us

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  13. I would love a copy of the script. kara.walker@geaugalibrary.info

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  14. I would love a copy of the script. kara.walker@geaugalibrary.info

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  15. I would love a copy of the script,too!
    jeanhuang0315@gmail.com

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  16. I know you did this post a while back, but I would love a copy as well. tiff_12@hotmail.com. Thanks in advance.

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  17. I love this story and I have that exact princess. Could you please send me the script? belovedmamm@gmail.com
    Thank you, Cindy

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  18. I would love a copy of the script too! I am planning for a "Princess Storytime" on November 14th. Our local "Apple Blossom Princess" will be in attendance :)

    Thank you,
    Lois (lois.burgess5@gmail.com)

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  19. I would love a copy of the script please. kristingibson@windstream.net

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  20. Would love a copy too if that's possible, thank you :) genevieve.rydell@gmail.com

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  21. This is a such a cute idea! I would love a copy of your script for a Storytime also! Thank You. Dobby_Lovesocks@yahoo.com

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  22. Great idea for my upcoming "Peas" storytime! Can you please send your script to mdiskin@ccls.org

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  23. Hello, could I please have a copy of your script? Klaharty@westerlylibrary.org Thanks!!!

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  25. Hi Sarah, I would love to have a copy of your Princess and the Pea script. Thanks so much!
    joyce.jamberry@gmail.com

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  26. I would like the text please

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  27. I would love the text! Pretty please. bspellman@bnai-shalom.org

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  28. Please please please! I need a short version of this story! dpinne@tds.lib.mn.us

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  29. I love this activity and will plan to use with my class next week! A shortened version of this story would work perfectly for my three year olds. Please email your version of the story to michelemctague@gmail.com
    Thanks!!!

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