Materials

1. Chart paper
2. Markers, crayons, pencils
3. Drawing paper

Activity

1. Write the following expressions found in the story on a sheet of chart paper:
   "pretty as a peach"
   "puffed up like two turkey gobblers"
   "dirty as a flop-eared hound dog"
   "a salty bronc with a bellyful of bedsprings"
   "left there shadows 20 miles behind"
   "soft and pretty as summer clouds"
   "toes popped out like puppies from a basket"
    
   
2. Review the list of expressions listed above. Tell the children that these are expressions found in the story of Cindy Ellen. Share some expressions children may already know like "quiet as a mouse," "you're an angel," or "silly goose." Invite the children to share other expressions that they may already know. You can add their expressions to the list.
    
   
3. Tell the children that you will reread the story of Cindy Ellen. Explain to the children that they will discuss the different expressions as you come across them in the story. Encourage the children to think about and describe what the different expressions mean. Why do they think people use expressions when they speak?
    
   
4. Ask the children to think about what these different expressions would look like if an artist illustrated them. What would "toes popped out like puppies from a basket" look like? Provide the children with the suggested art materials. Invite the children to create drawings about the different expressions. Invite the children to share their drawings with their friends.

Materials

• Drawing paper
• Markers, crayons, pencils

1. Ask the children to imagine that they have their own special fairy. Encourage the children to think about what their fairy would look like? Would it look like a person, an animal, or something very imaginative? Would it be large or very small? What would it wear? Would it fly?
    
   
2. Provide the children with the suggested art materials. Ask the children to draw a picture of their fairy. After they have finished their drawing, invite them to write or dictate information about their fairy. Does your fairy have a special name? Does your fairy say something special like "abracadabra?" Invite children to share their drawings and stories with their classmates.
    
   
3. Follow this activity with a take-home art activity. Provide the children with a sheet of drawing paper. Ask the children to draw a picture about a wish they would like their fairy to grant them. Tell the children that they can also include a story about their picture. You may want to include a note home to families explaining the activity. Encourage the children to share their drawings during group time.
    
   
4. Use the children's artwork to create a bulletin board display about their fairies and their wishes. Children may enjoy adding additional writing or drawings to the display. Some children may enjoy exploring this theme in the dramatic play area or with puppets. Children can also use blocks to create fairy houses, or make a play dough feast for their fairies. Encourage children to share their ideas and have fun exploring the wonderful world of make believe.

Materials

• Chart paper
• Marker
• Drawing paper
• Markers, crayons, and pencil or tempera paints and paint brushes (optional: collage materials, i.e. feathers, glitter, fabric or gift wrap scraps, etc.)

1. Discuss the setting depicted in the story Cindy Ellen. Ask the children to think about how the people dressed, spoke, and the types of things the characters did in the story. Where did the story take place? What did the illustrator draw that let us know that this was a story about the Wild West?
    
   
2. Ask the children to think of other types of settings that a story about Cindy Ellen could take place. Record the children's answers on a sheet of chart paper. Leave space beside or below each idea to record additional information. Choose one or two of the settings to further discuss with the children. Invite the children to think of the types of things that an illustrator would draw to depict that setting, i.e. underwater settings may have fish, sea plants, octopus, mermaids, etc. Record their comments.
    
   
3. Tell the children that they will draw two different pictures of Cindy Ellen in the setting of their choice. The first drawing will be about Cindy Ellen before her fairy godmother comes. The second drawing will be about Cindy Ellen after her fairy godmother comes. This activity can be completed in a few days.
    
   
4. Provide the children with the suggested art materials. Offer decorative collage materials to embellish the children's second drawing of Cindy Ellen. Some children may want to create additional illustrations and write or dictate an entire story about Cindy Ellen. Other children may only want to dictate or write about their two drawings. Provide time for children to share their drawings or stories with the class. Create a library or bulletin board display to feature the children's work.