The Crab Who Couldn’t Stop Crabbing (Summer Story Lesson for Toddlers)
The Crab Who Couldn’t Stop Crabbing
A playful summer story about learning to laugh instead of grumble!
(Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers — includes a story, craft, snack, game, song, learning activity, and more!)
🦀 STORY
At the edge of a sandy beach, lived a little red crab named Crabby. He wasn’t called that just because he was a crab — it was because he grumbled all day long!
“Too hot!”
“Too loud!”
“Too much sand!”
Even when the waves were perfect and the sun was shining, Crabby could find something to fuss about.
One day, Crabby pinched his way down the beach muttering, “Why is that seagull singing? It’s annoying!”
That’s when he bumped into… a pelican.
“Hello there!” said the cheerful pelican with a big grin.
“What’s so funny?” Crabby snapped.
“You are!” laughed the pelican. “You grump around like a grumpy grouper!”
“I’m not funny—I’m frustrated!” Crabby huffed.
But the pelican just chuckled. “Have you ever tried laughing instead of fussing?”
“Laughing?” Crabby blinked. “Even when I’m annoyed?”
“Especially then!” said the pelican. “Wanna try?”
Crabby scrunched up his face. Then he took a deep breath and gave it a go:
“Ha... Ha... Ha—Hahaha!”
And suddenly… he felt better.
That day, Crabby learned that laughter can lift your heart, even when you’re having a crabby day.
From then on, he wasn’t just called Crabby…
He was Crabby the Laughing Crab.
The End.
🎨 CRAFT: Crabby’s Happy Face Paper Plate Craft
Supplies:
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Paper plate
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Red paint or crayon
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Googly eyes
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Red pipe cleaners (for arms!)
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Marker for the mouth (draw a frown AND a smile!)
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Glue or tape
Instructions:
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Color the plate red (this is Crabby's body!).
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Glue googly eyes near the top.
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Attach red pipe cleaners to each side as wiggly crab arms.
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Draw a frowny face on one side, and a smiley face on the other.
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Let kids flip it to show how Crabby learned to change his mood!
🍎 SNACK: Grumpy-to-Giggly Grapes
Make a silly plate with:
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A pile of grapes (the “grumpy” crabby mood)
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A little cheese triangle smile next to it
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Add two raisins for eyes
Tell the story while eating: “Even grapes can giggle when you add a smile!”
🕺 MOVEMENT GAME: Crabby Crawl and Giggle Race
Let kids crab-walk across the floor!
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Halfway across, yell “GRUMPY!” and they must make a crabby face
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Then yell “GIGGLE!” and they have to try laughing while crab-walking to the finish line
🎵 SHORT SONG or POEM: “Crabby Turned Happy” (Original & fun) By: The Seasonal Schoolhouse
All Rights Reserved.
🎶
Crabby was crabby, pinchin’ in the sand,
Grumbling and mumbling, pinchin’ each hand.
Then a pelican said, “Try to laugh today!”
So Crabby smiled—and the grumps went away!
Chorus:
Giggle in the sunshine, giggle in the sea,
Even when I’m crabby, joy can still find me!
Wiggle those claws, and do a happy dance,
You might just laugh if you give it a chance!
🎶
🎵 FULL SONG: “Crabby Turned Happy”
By: The Seasonal Schoolhouse
All Rights Reserved.
Purchase the Full MP3 Download on The Magical Music Note: Crabby Turned Happy Song
Verse 1
Crabby was crabby down by the bay,
Grumbling and mumbling every day.
He snapped at a seashell, snipped at the sand,
“Nothing is fun in this beachy land!”
Chorus
Giggle in the sunshine, giggle in the sea,
Even when you’re crabby, laugh a little—whee!
Wiggle those claws, do a jiggly dance,
You might just smile if you give it a chance!
Verse 2
A pelican flapped and gave a loud squawk,
“You’re missing the joy in this sandy walk!”
Crabby looked up, gave a little pout,
“But I don’t know what to giggle about!”
Chorus
Giggle in the sunshine, giggle in the sea,
Even when you’re crabby, laugh a little—whee!
Wiggle those claws, do a jiggly dance,
You might just smile if you give it a chance!
Verse 3
So he tried a chuckle—just one at first,
Then giggled so hard his shell nearly burst!
He rolled in the tide, then gave a cheer,
“This might be my happiest day all year!”
Bridge
From pinchy and grouchy to giggles and cheer,
He learned how to flip his frown ear to ear.
You don’t need a reason or perfect day—
Just wiggle your claws and laugh anyway!
Final Chorus
Giggle in the sunshine, giggle in the sea,
Even when you’re crabby, laugh a little—whee!
Dance in the waves, or a sandcastle lane—
A giggle can chase away every complaint!
📚 LEARNING ACTIVITY: Mood Match Sorting Game
Draw or print pictures of faces (happy, sad, angry, silly).
Let kids sort them into piles:
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“Feels like Crabby”
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“Feels like Happy!”
This opens the door to discussing moods and choices in a preschool-friendly way.
💬 LET’S TALK ABOUT IT (Parent/Teacher Prompt)
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What did Crabby learn about his attitude?
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Have you ever felt crabby?
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What are some ways you cheer up when you're sad or upset?
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Can you think of a time when you chose laughter instead of grumbling?
📩 PARENT RESOURCE (Blog Text)
Looking for a joyful summer story to brighten your preschooler’s day? “The Crab Who Couldn’t Stop Crabbing” is a playful lesson that helps little ones learn to manage moods with laughter. This full lesson includes a printable craft, a giggle-worthy game, and an original song your kids will love to sing at home or in the classroom.
Find it at The Seasonal Schoolhouse at ChurchHouseCollectionStore.com!
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