Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberly

Not your everyday flannel board...

I was struggling to tell this story with the typical flannel board because the monster's face changes colors. This project was the result of finding a way to flip the monster's face between black and green.

Book: Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberly

Synopsis: A scary green monster begins to disappear, piece by piece and page by page, in a die-cut picture book that lets youngsters take control of the monsters in their lives.

Presentation: Unveil your jazzy new flannel board at the start of morning circle. The children will flock to your carpet! Begin with the black face and add each flannel piece as the story goes. Flip to the green side at the appropriate point in the story, and then back again. As you tell each piece to “Go Away,” rip it off the board and throw it to the ground. Dramatic effect is never lost on preschoolers!

Supplies:

- 1 Foam Core posterboard (or old cardboard) about 20x30
- 1 Paint Stick or Ruler
- 1 Cardboard tube (paper towel roll)
- 2 Clothespins
- 1 yd black flannel
- 1 Flannel Sheet each: yellow, blue, red, white, green
- Purple Yarn or Purple ribbons or…something for scraggly purple hair’
- 3 inches Velcro (scratchy side)
- Hot Glue Gun
- Xacto knife
- Scissors

How to Assemble:
1. Draw a monster shape on your posterboard. (I traced my own hands, but you can get as creative as you wish) Draw the head separately. Cut each out using an Xacto knife.
2. Trace the monster body and head onto the black flannel. Cut it out and hot glue (or spray adhesive) onto the posterboard pieces.
3. Glue the cardboard tube to the back of the monster’s body. The top of the tube should be flush with the top of the monster, in the neck area.
3. Glue the paint stick to the back of the monster head. Then cover with green flannel.
4. Cut out 4 yellow eyes, 2 long bluish greenish noses, 2 big red mouths, 2 sets of sharp white teeth and 4 squiggly ears.
5. Using hot glue, attach 2 of the squiggly ears to each side of a clothespin. Repeat.
6. Attach your scraggly purple hair to a piece of Velcro.

You’re done! Enjoy telling the story. Leave the materials and book out in an accessible area for children to retell on their own. Its a wonderful addition to the Library Area.

Desired Results (CA):

-Measure 2: Recognition of own skills and accomplishments: Children will take pride in their ability to read this story independently.
-Measure 18: Memory and knowledge: Children are challenged to remember the sequence of the story while retelling it on their own.-Measure 29: Interest in literacy- Children will enjoy retelling this story on their own if the flannel board and pieces are left out along with the book.
-Measure 35: Fine Motor Skills- Squeezing clothespins exercises the small muscles of the index finger and thumb; muscles necessary for holding a pencil to write.

Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives:

5. Demonstrates self-direction and independence: If left out, children can read this story independently while using the flannel board. (Social/Emotional)
19. Controls small muscles in hands: Squeezing clothespins exercises the small muscles of the index finger and thumb; muscles necessary for holding a pencil to write. (Physical)
44. Enjoys and values reading: This activity makes reading a book loads of fun. Even reluctant readers may take a swing. (Language)

Curriculum Areas: Language/Literacy
Domains of Development: Social Emotional, Cognitive