This mini Rooted in Reading resource is the perfect book companion for Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. Designed for the first weeks of school, it helps students embrace what makes them special, build self-confidence, and strengthen essential reading comprehension skills through engaging activities and interactive lessons.

What’s Included:
• Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plans – Step-by-step plans for before, during, and after reading.
• Book Question Cards – Targeted comprehension questions to spark meaningful discussion.
• Journal Writing: My Favorite Part of Me – Encourages self-reflection on both personality and physical traits.
• Focus Posters – Story Structure, Retelling with Key Details, and Story Elements.
• Retelling Practice Story – Short passage with a focus on identifying key details.
• Story Structure Printable – Supports understanding of beginning, middle, and end.
• Anchor Chart: Retelling Chrysanthemum – Visual aid for class retelling activities.
• Retell BME Student Printable – Helps students organize important story events.
• Chrysanthemum Directed Drawing & Reading Response – Combines creativity with comprehension.
• Graphing Letters in Our Names Activity – Builds early math skills while celebrating names.
• Chrysanthemum Flower Name Craft – Multiple versions to meet different ability levels.

Benefits for Teachers:
• Integrates literacy, character education, and creativity.
• Encourages self-acceptance and celebrates student uniqueness.
• Provides ready-to-use materials that save planning time.
• Supports key comprehension skills like retelling, story structure, and identifying important details.

Perfect for back-to-school read alouds, morning meetings, or literacy block lessons—this Chrysanthemum companion makes the first weeks of school both meaningful and memorable.