Articles > In A Story > Spring Stinks by Ryan T Higgins
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Story Activities for

Spring Stinks

by Ryan T. Higgins

This simple, little book is a fun way to introduce young readers to the season of spring. The air is full of new spring smells as the world awakens after winter. In this book, a rabbit named Ruth and a bear named Bruce smell spring scents and come across big trouble. This book can also be used to teach about descriptive language. Best of all- it will bring out smiles and giggles for springtime fun!

 

Characters

Make stick puppets to retell story or hold while reading the story. 

Puppets for Spring Stinks - Stick Puppets

 

Vocabulary

Display story vocaulary on a word wall or display in literacy center for scavenger hunts and writing reference. 

Vocabulary from "Spring Stinks" by Ryan T Higgins - Pictures and Words Spring Stinks Vocabulary - Pictures and Words

 

Comprehension

These question cards ask questions with multiple choice answers for students who need added support. 

Question Cards for Spring Stinks - Question Cards

 

Story Sequencing

Talk about the beginning, middle and end of the story. Place these cards on the mat (included in pdf) to sort, beginning, middle and end. 

Spring Stinks Story Sequence - First Then Boards

Sequence the story details. Limit number of pictures for younger readers, (such as only sequencing scents). 

Story Sequence for Spring Stinks by Ryan T Higgins - Picture Schedule Spring Stinks: What did Bruce and Ruth Smell? - Picture Schedule

 

Articulation - auditory discimination and artic practice for ST and SP blends. Students can add their own images to the blank circles for an extended activity.

ST - Themed Mats SP - Themed Mats ST and SP Circle cards - Circle Cards

 

Writing

Hunt for these words in the story and then copy the words. 

Spring Stinks- find and write the words - Word Writing

Draw and write about your favorite part of the story. 

Spring Stinks - Write your favorite part of the story - Writing Pages

Talk/Read about the different seasons. Make a class graph.  Wrtie about your favorite season: what sights and smells do you enjoy?

My Book About Seasons - Books and Stories  What is your favorite season? - Graphing Sheets  My Favorite Season - Writing Pages

 

Springtime Nature Walk

Go on a spring nature walk. Bring paper on clipboards to take notes of different things you see, hear, and smell. 

My Springtime Nature Walk - Writing Pages Springtime Nature Walk - Sorting Mats 

Talking about senses? Check out these ideas: 

My five senses - Sorting Mats The Five Senses - Question Cards My Five Senses - Drawing Pages

 

Smelling Jars

Make smelling jars or cups by placing an object in a small coffee cup with a lid. These may be cinnamon sticks, perfume, orange peels, candle, coffee grounds, lavender, vanilla, etc. Cover with cotton or a tissue so you can't peek. When ready to smell the scents, poke holes in the lid and try to guess the scent. 

Scents Guess Game - Picture Cards

 

Spring Stinks Math 

Spring Math - Clothespin Counting Cards

 

Describing Language

This story is filled with beautiful describing language. Look at various objects - what describing words tell about the object? 

Using this list of describing words, name something that works with the adjective. 

Describing Words - Poem Pages

 

Feelings

The illustrations show beautiful expressions in both Bruce and Ruth. Talk about the different feelings through the story. 

Match the bear feelings with the bunny feelings. 

Match Feelings of Bruce and Ruth - Puzzle Cards Match the feelings - Find The MatchSpring Stinks - Match the Feelings - Themed Picture Cards

 

Have fun playing and learning together.