Book Summary
Did you ever wonder what happened to the spider after it went up the spout again? Mary Ann Hoberman extends this classic rhyme and invites us to share a day in the life of an adorable pink spider in a cute blue hat. Nadine Bernard Westcott introduces readers to the cutest and silliest insects and bugs through her colorful illustrations. Includes musical notation and hand-motion instructions.

Objective
This story extends the classic nursery rhyme and encourages creative-thinking skills, phonemic awareness, fine-motor skills, social development, and an understanding of story sequence.

Before Reading
Write the words to the original version of "The Eensy-Weensy Spider" on a sheet of chart paper. Some children may know this as "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider." Recite the rhyme with the children and invite them to sing along using the hand motions.

On another sheet of chart paper write the following question: What happened to the spider after it went up the spout again? Review the question with the children and engage them in a discussion. Record the children's ideas below the question.

Show the children the book The Eensy-Weensy Spider by Mary Ann Hoberman. Explain to the children that the author also thought about what happened to the spider after it went up the waterspout again and wrote a book about it. Invite the children to compare Mary Ann Hoberman's story with their own ideas. Follow the reading with a discussion.

Teaching Plan
My Eensy-Weensy Spider
Materials

• Drawing paper or story paper
  
• Drawing materials: pencils, markers, crayons, watercolor, etc.
  
• Chart paper
  
• Bookbinding material: small binder rings, yarn, or stapler
  

Activity

1. Explain to the children that they will create their own classroom version of The Eensy-Weensy Spider. Ask the children to recall the verses from Mary Ann Hoberman's version of The Eensy-Weensy Spider. What were some of the things that Mary Ann Hoberman imagined and wrote about?
   
2.  Now invite the children to imagine what else the spider could do. Create a list of the different ideas the children share.
3.  Provide the children with paper and drawing materials. Ask each child to draw a picture depicting the spider engaged in a new activity. Remind children that their spider can be whatever color they like. Encourage individuality and creativity.
4. Assist the children in writing about their illustration. Invite the children to share their work with their classmates during reading time.
5. Bind the children's drawings together in a book format. Invite several or all of the children to create a cover and title for the book. Read the finished book during story time. Photocopies of the story can be sent home with children to share with their families. Include a copy of the book for your classroom library.

Make an Eensy-Weensy Spider
Materials

• Cardboard egg cartons
  
• Adult scissor
  
• Glue
  
• Pipe stems
  
• Construction paper
  
• Child safety scissors
  
• Markers
  
• Decorative materials: feathers, fabric or gift wrap scraps, tissue paper, or sequins

In advance: Collect several cardboard egg cartons. Cut the bottom portion of the egg carton into individual sections. Children will use one section as the body of their spider.
Cut a variety of pipe stems into 2 ½-inch sections.

Activity

1. Set up the art area with the suggested art materials. Tell the children that they will use the materials to create their own Eensy-Weensy spider. Invite a small group of children to the table at a time.
   
2. Children can begin by designing the body of their spider. Provide children with a variety of paint colors, drawing materials, and decorative materials to encourage creativity and individuality. If using paint and/or glue, allow time for the materials to dry before adding the spider legs.
   
3. Provide the children with the pre-cut pipe stems to use as the legs of their spider. How many legs does a spider have? Pipe stems can be pushed into the cardboard body. Bend the tips of the pipe stems in the inside area to secure the legs. Offer assistance, if needed.
   
4. Invite the children to share their spiders during group time.
   
5. Keep art materials available so that children can continue making spiders or other types of bugs and insects.

Spider Extensions

1. Use the spiders to retell the original and book version of the Eensy-Weensy Spider.
   
2. Dramatize other rhymes like "Little Miss Muffet" or "Five Little Spiders Jumping on the Bed."
   
3. Invite children to write or tell a story about their spider.
   
4. Invite children to use their spiders in the block-building area, sand area, or in other areas of the classroom.
   
5. Provide children with art materials to create a special spider environment or home for their spider.

Other Books to Learn About Spiders
I Love Spiders
By John Parker
This surprising book provides readers with an interesting twist on a topic that usually scares most people.

Spider Names
By Susan Canizares
This high-interest book uses vivid photographs and emergent text to introduce young children to different types of spiders.

The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle
Children love this tale about the spider that cannot play because she is too busy spinning her web.

Other Books by Mary Ann Hoberman
Miss Mary Mack
Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems
A House Is a House for Me