Stone Soup - Book Of The Week Activities #3.5

Hello everyone and welcome to the bonus 'Book Of The Week Activities'. Today we're going to be exploring an old European folk story called Stone Soup. It was first published in France in 1720 by Madame de Noyer . Like many folklore this tale often is known by other names around the world such as button soup, cactus soup, nail soup, wood soup, ax soup, etc. In every version it starts with a hungry stranger or strangers. Using an inedible object they convince the people of a town to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys. This leads the reader and the characters to understand the value of sharing.

Today's activities will be inspired both around the name of the story as well as the theme of sharing. Sharing can include items and emotional support to both the community and within your own home.

Activities Related To Stone Soup Directly

Various Versions Of The Story

Activities Inspired By Stone Soups Theme Of Sharing/Community

  • Make masks or face sheilds. Whether it's for yourself or to give to other wearing the masks especially slow down the spread of COVID-19 by preventing the wearer from sharing their germs. Face makes help prevent large water droplets from hitting the face. 1) How to Make Your own Face Covering by the CDC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4&feature=youtu.be 2) Instructions for Making Masks for Health Care Workers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E751n4IlLoI 3) 3 Easy No Sew Face Masks Using Things You Have at Home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn4PTer31-A 4) 2 Minute 5 Layer 3D Paper Towel Face Mask #Masks4all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usKgChGqVl0 5) How to make a face shield in 2 minutes & DIY Fluid resistant cover for N95: 14 min Pep talk for HCW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd-sZAQLomg 6) DIY PPE: Quick and Easy Face Shield https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9FSDSc76q4

  • #cheer4healthworkers is a movement you may already be doing. Every night at 7:30 take some pots, pans, spoons, or even just use your voice or hands to cheer for health workers. People do this from windows, balconies or front doors.

  • Have you noticed on your trip to the grocery store children's artwork attached to windows? Specifically children have started making rainbows to promote positivity and hope. If you haven't done this yet it's a simple fun activity that will uplift both the artist and those who see it.

  • Share your thoughts and feeling by writing letters. Snail mail may be old school but receiving a letter these days is a rare treat. Write it for someone in your home, a relative/friend who lives somewhere else, or even become pen pals with someone in a retirement home. You could even add art work or photos.

  • Drawing messages/pictures on the sidewalk/driveway using chalk can also uplift others. Of course make sure that you are practicing safe social distancing.

If you're interested to learn more about the history of this story check out https://stonesoup.com/about-the-childrens-art-foundation-and-stone-soup-magazine/history-of-the-stone-soup-story-from-1720-to-now/

Also here's a bonus Stone Soup song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCqbqyT62e8

Jessica Tomas