BEFORE STARTING THE STORYAsk your audience if they have ever grown a plant before. Tell them that the story you are about to read is all about

gardening and friendship. Ask the kids questions, such as “Who knows how to plant a seed?” and “Does anyone have a garden at home, or a plant in their house?”

AS YOU READEngage kids with questions about the story, such as “Does anyone know what kind of bird is humming around the garden

in this book?” and “What kind of plant do you think the kids are growing?”

END THE STORYTIME Ask everyone if they have a favorite fl ower or garden activity (e.g. making a wish on a dandelion, making a daisy chain, looking for four-leaf clovers) and invite them to do crafts and activities inspired by How to Grow a Friend. d a

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Story HourStory Hourfor gardeners of all ages!

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Instructions: Print this page and cut out the square below. Then cut along eachof the dotted lines. Pull the right corner of each side to the center and fasten it with tape or glue. Tape a pipe cleaner to the back of your fl ower to make the stem.

If you want to turn this fl ower into a pinwheel, fasten the fl aps to the center with a pin or a brass brad and stick the end through a straw. Put the pinwheel in your garden, andwatch it spin with the breeze!

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Make a PaperMake a PaperFlower Garden!Flower Garden!

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Instructions: Print this page and cut out the strips below to make friendship bracelets! Ask a grown-up for help fastening the edges of the bracelet together with tape.

For my friendFor my friend ____________________

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You are my sunshineYou are my sunshine

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DearDear_____________________, Thanks for being such a great friendThanks for being such a great friend

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For my friendFor my friend _______________________

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You’re the bees kneesYou’re the bees knees ✁

DearDear_____________________, Thanks for being such a great friendThanks for being such a great friend

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For my friend

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For my friendFor my friend

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Grow a Friend withGrow a Friend withFriendship BraceletsFriendship Bracelets

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Instructions: Print this page, write in the name of the plants you are planning to grow, and cut out the tags. When your tags are cut out, glue them to a popsicle stick, (which you can fi nd at a craft store) and stick the plant marker in the soil next to your plant.

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Tend Your Garden and Tend Your Garden and Watch It Grow!Watch It Grow!