12 The Day The Crayons Quit Activities

The Day The Crayon’s Quit is a special read that centers around communication and respect for others. Based on how important it is for children to learn how to express themselves at a young age, we’ve compiled a list of 12 activities inspired by this book! From story analysis and more advanced language studies to fun crafts and read-aloud tasks, our list of activities has something for all ages! 

1. Story Time With Props 

Give each learner a crayon; ensuring that you only use colors mentioned in the book. As you read the story aloud, pause after each page and ask the kids whose colors have been mentioned to draw what they have heard. This activity allows you to track listening engagement and story understanding according to the accuracy of your learner’s drawings. 

Learn more: Preschool Plan It

2. Crayon Maze 

This is a wonderful follow-up activity for young learners who enjoy a challenge. It also allows little ones to develop finger and hand strength for later writing tasks. After having read the story together as a class, invite learners to get out their favorite color and help the crayons make their way home through a maze. 

Learn more: Crayons Picture Books

3. Crayon Crossword 

Test students understanding of the book by having them complete this crossword after reading. To aid them in answering the questions, have them work in pairs and refer to the word bank at the bottom of the page. 

Learn more: Crayons Picture Books

4. Character Traits and Feeling Cards

These cards help young learners understand the character traits and feelings of the crayons. One of the main themes portrayed throughout The Day The Crayons Quit is communication. With the help of these feeling cards, you can help your learners understand the importance of communicating their feelings as well as respecting the needs and feelings of their classmates. 

Learn more: Boom Learning

5. Write a Letter

This activity invites students to pick their favorite crayon character and practice their creative writing skills as they write a letter from that crayon to Duncan. This more advanced activity not only allows learners to get creative but also enables them to put themselves in the shoes of others; imagining how their favorite crayon felt throughout the story. 

Learn more: Wingmore School

6. Design New Clothes for Peach Crayon 

Invite your little fashion designers to share their ideas by tailoring a new outfit for a Peach crayon. Simply hand out blank sheets of paper and let them get to work! Once their outfits are complete, invite them to share their drawings with the class and walk everyone through their creative designs. 

Learn more: Wingmore School

7. Analyze Duncan’s Picture

Before reading the story to your class, invite them to take a look at Duncan’s picture and spend some time analyzing it together. After the discussion, draw attention to everyone’s differing opinions and highlight that it’s okay to form unique opinions and adopt different beliefs. 

Learn more: Education.nsw

8. Crayon Headbands

These adorable paper headbands could not be easier to make! Simply use the template provided, write each learner’s name on the front and staple the two ends together after measuring the size of their head. We guarantee that your little ones will LOVE wearing their headband as you read the story together!  

Learn more: Park Road Academy 

9. Prefix and Suffix Worksheet

This prefix and suffix worksheet is perfect for older learners who still enjoy an animated, picture book! Learners will gain an understanding of how to use simple prefixes and suffixes in relation to their emotions; enabling them to better express the extent of their feelings. 

Learn more: Park Road Academy

10. Synonym Activity 

Challenge your learners to explore the concept of synonyms with this fun activity. The activity requires that learners come up with as many synonyms for the colors as they can think of. For example red- cherry, blood, rouge, and scarlet. To up the ante, pair students up and set a time limit. The couple with the most synonyms by the end wins! 

Learn more: St Paul’s Peel

11. Read Aloud Video 

To reward good classroom behavior and work well done, play this sweet video for your class. After having completed all their work, learners can sit back, relax and enjoy! 

Learn more: StoryTime Out Loud

12. Emotion Charades 

Have your learners explore whether or not they’ve ever experienced the same feelings as the crayons by playing emotion charades and following the game up with a discussion. Divide the class into two teams. Each team will have a chance to act out their chosen emotions whilst the other team tries to make predictions as to what they are.

Learn more: Emmaus School