Feed the Old Lady Box

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This is a fun activity that we did to go along with the book There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly during Gv's Latticed Learning time.

The moment we read this book, I knew there had to be something we could do to bring the zany story to life even more.  I printed out the old lady and critters from this page (scroll down to find it) onto cardstock and then colored them in (they come in a color version, but my color printer was on the fritz that day and I had no more patience left for it).  


Our version of the book doesn't include a goat, but we just throw him into her mouth at the end because goats make us laugh


I also printed a set out onto regular paper for Gv to color so that we could both be working on the project together.

I cut everything out, adding a giant open mouth to the lady.  Then I glued the lady onto the lid of one of our greens boxes and cut her mouth opening from that, as well.



Finally, I handed Gv the critters to feed the old lady with while we read the book.  This activity ended up being a huge hit and one I can tell she'll want to keep playing with for quite a while.



She's even able to flip through and "read" the book and feed the old lady all on her own, so it's turned into a new independent toy, too!

You could easily use a regular old shoebox for this, but we loved the way the clear greens box allowed us to see all that the old lady had eaten already.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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Comments (16)

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I always love when a book comes to life and this is a great way to have that happen. It does look like fun is being had by all. Thanks for sharing this cute activity.
1 reply · active 491 weeks ago
Sometimes I feel activities that go along with books can be so forced, but this book just seemed to scream for an activity like this, you know? I'm glad you liked it as well and thanks so much for stopping by to say hello, Rebecca!
I love the book "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!" It reminds me of my elementary school days. This activity is adorable and so creative! Thanks for sharing with us at the Merry Monday Link Party! Hope to see you again on Sunday night! :0)
1 reply · active 493 weeks ago
I've always loved that book, too, so it was really fun coming up with this activity twist. Thanks for stopping by to say hello, Tiffany!

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: lisahealy@outlook.com
Subject: Syncopated Mama - New comment on: Feed the Old Lady Box
What a fun (and easily put together) activity! I think I'd like coloring everything in even better than printing in color... which works out nicely as we only have a b&w printer ;) I like the clear greens box, too! I want to do this when our son is old enough.

Found you at Grandma Ideas!
1 reply · active 493 weeks ago
I'm glad you like this activity idea, Heather! I'd love to hear what you and your son think of it when he gets a bit older so you can try it. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: lisahealy@outlook.com
Subject: Syncopated Mama - New comment on: Feed the Old Lady Box
That's a cute idea! I bet the kids had a lot of fun with it.
1 reply · active 493 weeks ago
We're still having fun playing with it and it's weeks later! Thanks for stopping by to say hello today!

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: lisahealy@outlook.com
Subject: Syncopated Mama - New comment on: Feed the Old Lady Box
This is a great take on an old classic! I'm an early childhood director and I'll be sharing this with my teachers - and pinning it!
1 reply · active 493 weeks ago
I'm glad you liked it, Helen! Thanks for sharing and pinning it and I hope to see you here again soon!

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.com
To: lisahealy@outlook.com
Subject: Syncopated Mama - New comment on: Feed the Old Lady Box
Cute idea! Thanks for linking up to Home Matters Party. #HomeMattersParty http://cu-rio.net/home-matters-linky-party-59/
1 reply · active 491 weeks ago
I'm glad you like this idea, Denise, and thanks so much for stopping by to say hello today!
This looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Blog Hop! :)
1 reply · active 492 weeks ago
It's simple, but definitely a lot of fun! Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and for the great party!
I just realized I never actually commented on this post. I do apologize. I love this idea. I love simple ideas, especially with 4 children. I used to be able to be more elaborate with my activities. Thank you for linking up with Littles Learning Link Up.
1 reply · active 490 weeks ago
That's okay, Karen, and I'm glad you like this idea. I can't believe it, but this activity is still going strong - and it took hardly any effort on my part to put together, so I'd say that makes it a winner! Thanks so much for taking the time to say hello today!

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