# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insects and Plants in the Preschool Science Center | Science center preschool, Science center, Preschool science

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jul 4, 2014 - Here are some ideas arranging a preschool science center around a plant and insect theme. A great way to use a small space to encourage young children's science learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creative Curriculum Insects Worksheets & Teaching Resources | TpT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Browse creative curriculum insects resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K

Books

Check here for a complete list of Books about Bugs!

Ant Activities

Egg Carton Ants

{Art}
Children paint an egg carton (cut so that each child had 3 egg cups for the 3 body parts) with their choice of either red, brown, or black paint. We add wiggle eyes and pipe cleaner pieces for the antennae and legs.

Ant Hill

{Cooking}
Children make an edible ant hill in a cup. We used a clear punch cup so the children could see the layers they added to their dessert. First they put a layer of chocolate pudding into the cup for the "dirt". Then, they crushed up graham crackers in a plastic ziploc bag and poured the crumbs into the cup for the anthill "sand". Last, they added chocolate chips for the "ants" (you could also substitute raisins instead of chocolate chips).

Bee Activities

Bee Hive Fingerplay

Here is the bee hive
(Cup hands together)
Where are the bees?
(Peek into hive)
Hidden away where nobody sees.
(Hide hive behind back)
Watch and you'll see them come out of the hive.
(Bring hive back out front)
1...2...3...4...5...BUZZ!
(Open fingers one by one. Fingers become the buzzing bees)

Flight of the Bumblebee

{Music, Large Motor}
We play a game with this song by passing a beanbag (the "bee") like a hot potato around the circle of children while the music played. Occasionally, I stop the music, which means the person with the beanbag is "stung" and moves to the middle of the circle.
The Tale of the Tzar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee ~ Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Cocoon & Butterfly

{Art}
We talk about the life cycle of a butterfly, and make a cocoon with a toilet paper tube and white yarn. We decorate a clothespin with pom poms to look like a caterpillar and put it inside the cocoon. Another day, we paint a coffee filter with watercolor paints. When it is time for the butterfly to come out of the cocoon, the butterfly "wings" are then clipped in the clothespin caterpillar.

Butterfly Lacing Cards

{Fine Motor}
To make these, I traced a butterfly outline onto old file folders, cut them out, and punched holes around the edge. The children use yarn to lace through the holes, and decorate them with markers.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Retelling

{Literacy, Fine Motor}
The Very Hungry Caterpillar foods are made from construction paper, and are strung on a green ribbon "caterpillar". The children try to sequence the story from memory. Read more about this idea at Eric Carle's Caterpillar Exchange.

Butterfly Patterns

{Math}
We use butterfly counters to make color patterns. The children also make their own pattern with paper butterfly cutouts (I used the small craft punchers to cut the butterflies).
Printable Grid Pattern Paper

More Bug Activities

Play Dough Bugs

{Fine Motor}
We place strips of green construction paper (for grass) in some small bug boxes (available at the Dollar Tree). Children make model bugs with play dough to put in the boxes.

Egg Carton Bugs

{Art}
We make bugs using half of a cardboard egg carton, paint, wiggle eyes, pom-pom balls, and other materials.

Click Beetle

{Art}
This clothespin art activity goes with the book, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, by Eric Carle. You can read about this activity at the Eric Carle Caterpillar Exchange.

Story Retelling

{Literacy}
This is an activity that goes with any theme. Choose a book that goes with the theme, and have the children retell the story.
Read the blog post here for details: story retelling

Bug Twins

{Literacy, Social Skills}
Children are given a simple bug outline. This is not a color sheet, the page only has 3 circles. They work in pairs to create bugs that are the same ("bug twins"). One child has the role of communicator and one child had the role of listener. The communicator adds features to the bug by drawing & coloring, and communicates each step to a partner. The partner listens and adds the same features to the bug without seeing the other child's paper. This project helps with communication skills, listening, following directions, and cooperation.

Counting Flies

{Math}
As gross as it sounds, children are fascinated by this game. Each child has a handful of 8 plastic flies. They throw them onto the table, and count how many flies are dead (on their backs) and how many flies are alive (on their feet).

Sorting by Sizes

{Math}
We use three sizes of craft pom poms (our pretend fuzzy bugs) to sort by size into different sized containers.

Bug Counting Book

{Math}
We make a bug counting book by stamping bug stamps on each page of the book. The words to the book are:
1 bug,
2 bugs,
3 bugs,
4; Those were good, but I want more!
5 bugs,
6 bugs,
7 bugs,
8; The big fat juicy ones taste just great!"

Bug Nature Walk

{Science}
We go on a nature walk to search for bugs, and draw observational pictures of bugs we find.

Picnic Prop Box

{Social Skills}
Include: Blanket, Picnic basket, Paper plates & cups, Play food

Bug Bingo Stamping Game

{Math or Literacy}
Read about and print the Bug Bingo Game here.

Bug Pattern Block Mats

{Math}
Read about and print here: Pattern Block Mat Printables. (Go to this page and look for the caterpillar, butterfly, bee, & dragonfly mats.)

Ladybug Grid Game

{Math}
Read about about print here: Grid Games

Ladybug Roll & Write Game

{Literacy or Math}
Print and find directions here: Roll & Write Games

Color Bugs Printable Book

This book can be printed or projected as a slideshow. Go to the Printable Books page to download.

Rhymes

Nursery rhymes that go well with a Bug Theme:

Here is the Beehive

Little Miss Muffet

Look for printable posters of these rhymes on the Nursery Rhymes Page.

Songs

Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K

Links

In My Shop

Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K Check here for a complete list of Books about Bugs! {Art} Children paint an egg carton (cut so that each child had 3 egg cups for the 3 body parts) with their choice of either red, brown, or black paint.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Bugs and Insects! We use these terms interchangeably, though they are different! Bugs are one of insect. True bugs, as they are called, have a straw-like mouth. Some true bugs are stinkbugs, assassin bugs and others. Ladybugs are NOT actually bugs! And spiders are neither bugs nor insects!

However, all crawly things are bugs and insects preschool theme and they are creepy and cool at the same time to preschool children! Imagine all the preschool lesson plans that can come from a preschool theme like this!

You'll find more themes to help you with your planning on my preschool themes page

One year, we decided it would be so cool to order ladybugs for the classroom! We would have them in our ladybug home, the children could observe them, journal about them, tell stories about them, etc.

So, they were delivered. When we opened the bag, low and behold, lots of ladybugs started crawling out of the bag...so cool.

Sadly, we found that half the ladybugs were, um, well, they didn't make the trip.

We talked about that and then decided we should lay them to rest outside in the front garden/lawn area. We did so, had a moment of silence for the ladybugs and when back into our classroom.

Two hours later, when the children were leaving, one of the parents commented on how Spring is definitely here. She could tell because of all the ladybugs outside today!

Apparently, the ladybugs were in a cold, somewhat "hibernative" sleep from the way they are shipped!

Moral of the story....let them warm up and wake up. They are not dead!

Where can I find Ladybugs?

This is the insect home we ordered. It comes with a coupon to order 15-20 Ladybug Larvae! This was awesome as we got to watch the entire life cycle unfold in our classroom!
(I LOVE Amazon, and if you choose to get yours there, they do send me a few cents--which supports my coffee habit!)

Just want Ladybugs? Here are some options for ladybugs (no larvae) and homes!

This theme is endless in the possible activities and adventures your preschoolers can participate in!

This Bugs and Insects Theme page is filled with preschool activities and ideas for all areas of your classroom.

You can either scroll down through this page to see all of the preschool activities for your Bugs and Insects Theme or click the link below to go to specific preschool lesson plans you are looking for.

Looking for a Caterpillars and Butterflies Theme?
CLICK HERE to go to the CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES Theme Page
Bugs and Insects Theme Art

Materials Needed: spider stickers, blue or black paper, white crayons or white chalk.

The children draw their own version of a spider web and then add spiders where they want them. Add bugs and insects stickers as well to "feed" the spiders!

Materials: rocks and stones of various sizes, glue, markers or paint, googly eyes and other miscellaneous arts and crafts supplies

Let the children create their own pet bug rock!

Materials Needed: Finger paint paper, finger paint, google eyes

Crease the paper in half. Open paper up.

The children make one hand print on the left side of the paper. Fold the paper closed and press.

Open to reveal a mirrored image of their spider! When dry add googly eyes.

EXTENSION: After they have made one hand print, give them more paper to fingerprint away!
Return to Top
Bugs and Insects Theme Block Center Ideas

Add small stuffed bugs or bug puppets to your block area for the children to make homes for!
Return to Top
Bugs and Insects Theme Circle Time Ideas

Circle Time is such a great time for children to learn the social skills of being together as a large group AND to learn more about your Space Theme!

Materials Needed: Show the children some pictures of insects. Then pass out some plastic insects (one for each child). Have them find these items on their insects:

All insects have 3 body parts: the head, the thorax (middle) and the abdomen.

All insects have 6 legs.

All insects have antennae. What do they use these for (touching and detecting odors!)

Some insects have wings. Does yours have wings?

There are so many choices of books and finger plays for this theme. Many are listed below under the Library section on this page. Be sure to include lots and lots of non-fiction books. Show the pictures and talk about them as a group!

Themed Snack Recipe Ideas to Cook Up!

Cooking with children helps develop their math skills and helps them to learn how to follow directions.

It also allows for some great conversation!

Ask many questions while cooking with your children to encourage conversation! Be sure to ask specific Space theme questions while making these fun snacks!

Ingredients and Items Needed:

Bread (cut into pants shapes); spread (or cheese) and raisins

The children spread the bread and add raisin "ants" to their pants!
Return to Top
Bugs and Insects Theme Ideas to Transform Your Dramatic Play Area

Picnic Interrupted!
Materials: Picnic basket, tablecloth or small blanket to have the picnic on; play food and plates and, of course, plastic bugs to interrupt the picnic with!
Bugs and Insects Dress Up
Purchase or make different types of bug wings, and bug legs (use extra fabric to sew together and stuff for the kids to wear and have 6 legs like an insect!).
Return to Top
Bugs and Insects Theme Ideas for your Easel--More Than Just Painting (Although that is always THE favorite in our classroom!)

Bug Painting This idea was submitted by Katrina in BC, Canada

Materials needed: small, plastic bugs and insects; yogurt lids or other small, plastic lids

Have the children paint using bugs instead of brushes! The yogurt sized lids should fit in your easel tray.

Bugs and Insects Theme Large Group Games that help build their muscles while they have fun together

Parachute Your Bugs! This idea was submitted by Vanessa M. from New Mexico, USA
Place stuffed animal type insects in the middle of the parachute to shake off! Vanessa's group places a stuffed grasshopper in. They have make the grass hopper "hop" by shaking the parachute and continue shaking until the grasshopper "hops" out!

You can do the same with other stuffed insects you have: make the butterfly-fly the bee-buzz, etc.!
Thanks Vanessa for this GREAT idea! The next two ideas were submitted by Karen from Indianapolis, IN, USA Bug, Bug, Insect
Play this as you would the infamous Duck, Duck Goose Game!
Return to Top
Like What You See So Far?
Join my FREE Preschool Teacher Tips Email Community today and receive:
Weekly tips and planning ideas!

And, on the 1st of each month I'll email you a free
theme starter pack that includes a printable activity mat or game,
Calendar pieces, a playdough recipe and a song poster!

Join NOW and I'll also send you the theme planning forms I use!
It's all FREE? You in?
Just tell me where to send your goodies below!

Theme Ideas for Your Library and Literacy Activities for your Preschool Classroom

Book Suggestions for the Library

There are SO many books to choose from! Check out your local library and Don't Forget to get lots of non-fiction books so that the children can see real pictures as well!

The books below can be purchased through Amazon also.

(I LOVE Amazon, and if you choose to get yours there, they do send me a few cents--which supports my coffee habit!)

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

How Many Bugs in a Box? (Mini Edition): A Pop-up Counting Book by David A Carter (GREAT book!)

The Icky Bug Alphabet Book (Jerry Pallotta's Alphabet Books) by Jerry Pallotta

The Icky Bug Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta

In the Tall, Tall Grass (An Owlet Book) by Denise Fleming

The Itsy Bitsy Spider or any children's version!

Ladybugs: Red, Fiery, and Bright Mia Posada

The Very Lazy Ladybug (My First Storybook) by Isobel Finn and Jack Tickle (This is one of my FAVORITES!)

The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman

The Very Quiet Cricket Board Book Eric Carle

Here is the beehive. Where are the bees? (hold up one fist)

Hidden away where nobody sees. (move other hand around your fist)

Watch and you'll see them come out of the hive (move head close to your fist)

One, two, three, four , five! (Hold up fingers one at a time)

Buzzzzzzzz...all fly away! (wave fingers as you move your hand away from you).

1,2,3 (hold up fingers one at a time)

There's a bug on me!

Where did it go? (Brush your clothes off)

I Don't Know! (look around and the shrug and look confused!)

One ant, two ants, three ants, four.

Our picnic is their grocery store.

Five ants, six ants, seven ants, eight.

They are crawling on my plate!

Eight ants, seven ants, stomp around.

Six ants, five ants, on the ground.

Four ants, three ants, On the run!

Two ants, one ant, no more fun!

Bugs and Insects Theme activities to help your Preschoolers develop math skills and those small muscles in their hands!
Counting and Coloring Bugs and Insects

Materials: Large piece of paper, bugs and insects stamps, stamp pads, single dice, markers

Use the stamps to stamp lots and lots of bugs and insects on the paper.

Let dry.

The children take turns rolling the dice and coloring in that number of bugs.

VARIATION: For individual counting, have each child make their own paper to work on!
Ant Leaves
Materials: Green paper with leaf shapes drawn on them; scissors; hole punchers.

The children cut out the leaves and then hole punch away! They can draw ants on the leaves (or give them stickers!) if they want.
Return to Top
Great activity to get those muscles developed!

Bugs and Insects Theme Music and Movement Activities and Ideas to get your Preschoolers Movin' and Groovin'!

Explain to the children that ladybugs are very helpful. They eat insects that may try ot eat or hurt our fruits and vegetables!

Have the children act this out:

Ladybug, ladybug...let me see you crawl!

Hurry after those harmful bugs....
Bugs, bugs, bugs!
But be careful not to fall!

sung to the tune of Frere Jacques

Big bugs, small bugs, big bugs, small bugs,

See them crawl. See them crawl.

Creeping, creeping, crawling, never, never falling

Bugs, bugs, bugs! Bugs, bugs, bugs!

Thin bugs, fat bugs, thin bugs, fat bugs

See them crawl, on the wall.

Creeping, creeping, crawling, never, never falling
Insects and Spiders Song

Bugs, bugs, bugs! Bugs, bugs, bugs!

sung to the tune of Wheels on the Bus

The bugs in the air fly up and down,

Up and down, up and down.

The bugs in the air fly up and down,

All through the day!

The spiders on the bush spin a web....

The crickets in the field hop up and down...

The bees in the hive go buzz, buzz, buzz....

sung to the tune of When Johnny Comes Marching Home

A bee is buzzing 'round the room

Buzz-Buzz, Buzz-buzz.

A bee is buzzing 'round the room

Buzz-Buzz, Buzz-buzz.

It will buzz around the room once more

And then it will buzz right out the door.
Return to Top
And we'll all be happy
Creepy, Crawly Bugs and Insects
When the bee is gone once more!
Return to Top
Bugs and Insects Theme Activities for the Senses!

Add plastic bugs and insects into your sensory table hidden in the sand with spoons and cups to catch them!

Bugs and Insects Theme Science Activities--for your Preschool Scientists in Training!
Visit a Pet Store
Materials: If you can find one, bring an old bee hive or nest into your classroom for the children to explore!

Bugs and Insects Theme Field Trips

Take a trip to a local pet store that sells bugs and insects as feed to check them out!

Bugs and Insects Theme Classroom Visitors
Return to Top
Some ideas for visitors:
That's Buggy!
Call a local farm to find out if they raise bees. Can that person come in to your preschool classroom and talk to the preschoolers about bees?
Return to Top
Writing Activity Ideas for Your Preschool Classroom's Bugs and Insects Theme!
CLICK HERE to go to the CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES Theme Page Go to the MAIN THEMES page from this Bugs and Insects Theme Page Return to Preschool Plan-It Home Page

Encourage the children to draw a picture about bugs that bug them! They can print the names of their bugs, or you can help them do that!

Looking for a CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES Theme?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bugs and Insects! We use these terms interchangeably, though they are different! Bugs are one of insect. True bugs, as they are called, have a straw-like mouth. Some true bugs are stinkbugs, assassin bugs and others. Ladybugs are NOT actually bugs! And spiders are neither bugs nor insects!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over the summer we learned about 8 insects. I can't tell you how much my toddler and preschooler enjoyed learning about these creatures. It has been fun to see them identify insects outside because of what they learned with our activities. Today I've compiled our 8 insect crafts into one post. Just click on the links below each picture to take you to the post with the tutorial.

1. Butterfly Craft

2. Ladybug Craft

3. Caterpillar Craft

4. Bumble Bee Craft

6. Fly Mask Craft

7. Firefly Craft

8. Dragonfly Craft

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Over the summer we learned about 8 insects. I can't tell you how much my toddler and preschooler enjoyed learning about these creatures. It has been fun to see them identify insects outside because of what they learned with our activities. Today I've compiled our 8 insect crafts into one post.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I've been wanting to write this post for ages. Process art is so important to me and at the root of pretty much all the work that I do. I am the art teacher at a Reggio Inspired Preschool in addition to teaching process based art to over 50 children a week here in Los Angeles. I realized that I didn't have one specific area on my blog to share process based activities and articles I've written about the subject. Say what?! How could that be? Yeah, it's true. But now I do! Here is everything process based you need to know to get started at home and in the classroom. Also, I share tons of behind the scenes and process based ideas that don't make it to the blog on Instagram. Please join me over there. I'd love to connect with you and talk process art and exchange ideas.

I love this quote because to me, it speaks to the idea that children don't need to be told what to do, they need to be given rich experiences to explore and engage in. Children are capable beings that given the opportunity will continue to raise the bar on their own learning and development.

*NOTE* If you're thinking, "Meri Cherry, what the heck is process art?" The most basic definition is art that focuses on the process rather than the outcome. Doesn't that sound good? I think so. If you want more info, I have tons more for you. Just keep reading.
Process Art for Kids - It's No Mess Process Art - Why It's Great for the Whole Family Family Process Art Let Them Paint - Here's Why Working with Real Tools Paint Mixing Art Secrets Every Parent Should Know
We've done a ton of process art but these are my faves. And the kids faves. I've starred the ones that are my all time super duper faves.

left to right clockwise

I hope you are feeling inspired to let go of the outcome and let your kids explore new materials and new ideas. I know I've starred my favorite process art activities but that doesn't mean the other activities are not as good. I just have especially fond memories of the starred ones. I would love to hear your experiences with any number of these in the comments below. Thanks for reading along everyone and enjoy the process! xo Meri

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
50 Process Art Activities for Kids - Meri Cherry

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Included are the editable invitations and reminder notices in both English and Spanish.

Please see other materials I have posted for this study as well.

My students researched 20 different insects during our study. After our study was complete, we invited parents and other school staff to visit our classroom and the students taught the adults what they had learned during our study. They were able to show off different projects we had completed as well as play various games and activities with their families. This is by far, my favorite study we have ever done!

If you purchase the bundle, this item is included.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creative Curriculum Insect Study Day Invitations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Included are the editable invitations and reminder notices in both English and Spanish. Please see other materials I have posted for this study as well. My students researched 20 different insects during our study. After our study was complete, we invited parents and other school staff to visit ...

# data[].attributes.body
You could create a board for this center with felt pieces or velcro.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This poster is used to show the definition of an insect and the characteristics of an insect. The 20 insects included in the poster set I have posted are sorted on this poster to show which ones are truly insects and which ones are just "bugs".

If you purchase the bundle, this item is included.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creative Curriculum Insect Study Definition Poster

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This poster is used to show the definition of an insect and the characteristics of an insect. The 20 insects included in the poster set I have posted are sorted on this poster to show which ones are truly insects and which ones are just "bugs".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Picture Word Cards | Insects preschool, Word cards, Insects kindergarten

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sep 30, 2016 - These Insect Picture Word Cards will work well with a Bug Theme. Included words are butterfly, caterpillar, ladybug, bee, ant, dragonfly, moth, mantis, cicada, beetle, grasshopper. There are a total of 11 words. Find more word card sets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's that time of year again, time for bug theme at preschool. These bug activities include bug crafts, bug sensory play, even bug theme gross motor activities! The other thing they all include is fun. Don't miss the book list linked at the end of the post. And if you want a whole bug thematic unit we have one you will LOVE, check it and our other thematic units here!

Bug Activities for Kids

1. Color Matching Butterflies
2. Monster Stew
3. Butterfly Suncatchers
4. Classic Egg Carton Caterpillar
5. Monarch Butterfly Craft

46. Cork Love Bugs
47. Butterfly Observation Printables for Butterfly Garden.
48. Butterfly matching circle time
49. Wings or no wings sorting
50. Gross Motor Spider Web Game

If you have scrolled through this whole list let me get you one more to check out! 19 books about bugs!

And don't forget about our Backyard Bugs thematic unit!

Filed Under: Age Preschool, Bugs, Preschool Activities, Preschool Crafts |

Like this post? Share it with a friend!

You may also like these posts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
50 Bug Activities for Kids - No Time For Flash Cards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's that time of year again, time for bug theme at preschool. These bug activities include bug crafts, bug sensory play, even bug theme gross motor activities! The other thing they all include is fun. Don't miss the book list linked at the end of the post.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We've been learning about bugs! Butterflies, ladybugs, grasshoppers, spiders, and cicadas!

Affiliate links are used in this post for your convenience. Read my full affiliate disclosure here.

The children have begun to bring bugs in that they've discovered on their walks. Here we have a black and yellow millipede in this critter case.

Examining cicada shells in a bug viewer. We (I) am very excited about the emergence of the 17-year cicadas this spring! We've been talking about cicadas a lot lately and I will put up a more detailed post later.

Be sure to check out our previous post about bug works in the language, math, and science areas of the classroom.

On the Fine Motor Shelf

We have a bit of a buggy theme going on in our Fine Motor and Art areas these days.

This is our fine motor shelf. We decided to go with a black and red color theme in honor of ladybugs.

Pouring black beans, on a red tray.

Pouring red water, on a black tray! This is quite tricky. You have to pour to the line into these flimsy plastic cups without knocking them over. Then, pour the colored water back into the narrow mouthed pitcher without a funnel. You need some serious motor coordination to master this.

I found these beautiful flower bowls a few years ago. Add a butterfly clothespin and some yellow pompoms, and poof! you've got a little pollination setup. This activity was inspired by this.

This is simply putting butterfly clips onto pipe cleaners. The children seem to prefer mixing and matching the colors with this work. I found the clips at the Dollar Store.

Tonging and matching little bugs. (Yes, one of these is a crustacean. I didn't have enough plastic bugs the right size so I made an executive decision to go with another invertebrate!)

Spooning sparkly pompoms into this little divided house tray. I'm sure some of you could come up with a nifty name for this work like "how many bugs in the house?", except much better.

I LOVE it when the kids come up with a way of using the material that I had never thought of. He stood up the house tray vertically and spooned a pom pom into each compartment. Challenging!

Love this! Clipping teeny bug clothespins onto a silk flower stem that I stuck into a flower pot. I had a five year old commenting how tricky it is to pinch these little clips.

On the Art Shelf

Pinpunching butterflies and decorating with little dots.

We've been doing so much brush work the past few months that I think our little kiddos are ready for a more advanced painting technique! We'll be learning about wet-on-wet watercolor painting this month. Perfect for painting this glorious Monarch butterfly. We also have a few other insect coloring pages for the kids to use this technique on. I found the butterfly printout here.

I like to have a lacing work out all year long in our preliminary sewing sequence. This time we're making a ladybug out of our plate. I find the plates to be much easier to use than cutting out shaped lacing cards.

We've added a few spring themed paper punches to the art shelf for the children to decorate their work with.

Found this little gem at the dollar store! It's brought a new point of interest to our Care of the Environment materials. Here's a slightly fancier one on Amazon.

I was surprised to find that I had collected so many buggy posters over the years. Most of these are now decorating our walls. It was tough deciding which ones to display!

Be sure to check out our previous post about bug works in the language, math, and science areas of the classroom.

Want more ideas for a bug theme in your classroom? Check out our Invertebrates Pinterest Board

Linked to these great blogs

Related Products
In the Trillium Montessori Shop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bugs! Fine Motor and Art Activities on the Montessori Shelf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We've been learning about bugs! Butterflies, ladybugs, grasshoppers, spiders, and cicadas! Affiliate links are used in this post for your convenience. Read my full affiliate disclosure here. The children have begun to bring bugs in that they've discovered on their walks. Here we have a black and yellow millipede in this critter case.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Motor skills are very important to work on in the early years. Both fine motor and gross motor skills are equally important to work on. Today I'm sharing a gross motor and fine motor activity to do with toddlers or preschoolers with a bug theme (and we focused on ants, since that is the bug of the week!)

Gross motor skills are the coordination of movements that are required for large movements. Some of these skills include running, hopping, leaping, pushing, twisting, and more. Today I am sharing a game called Bug in a Jug, which focuses on the skills of swinging and catching. In this game, a small plastic bug is tied to yarn and to a jug. The goal is to swing the bug in the air and catch it with the jug. I'll explain more later, but first let me share how to make the game.

Here's what you need:

empty gallon-sized jug

plastic bug (you can find these at the Dollar Store. Mine is a Melissa and Doug brand, found here.)

piece of yarn

First, cut the bottom off of the jug. Then tie a piece of yarn to the bug. Remove the lid from the jug and place the other end of string in the opening and screw on the lid.

For the activity, the child holds the handle of the jug and swings forward to catch the bug in the jug.

Since we are talking about ants this week, I tied on an ant 🙂

It definitely was a challenging task for my kids. It takes concentration and control to get the bug in the jug.

This activity is easy to put together and a great way to practice gross motor skills. This was challenging for my 2 and 4 year old, so we will be bringing this out frequently to keep working on swinging and catching.
Modifications:
*You can make the string longer or shorter. The shorter it is, the harder it is to get inside the jug.

*To make this activity more difficult, try using a 1/2 gallon jug

*****************************************************************************************

For a fine motor activity, we played a game using tongs. Tongs are a great way to practice fine motor skills. Fine motor skills work on the smaller muscle groups to do tasks that are precise in nature. In this activity I tied a plastic ant to tongs and had my child use it to transfer pieces of plastic food from the floor to the ant hill (which was just made of brown construction paper).

This fine motor activity was great for working on transferring objects from one place to another using the hand muscles. It takes concentration and strength.

Since we are learning about ants this week, I thought this activity was also a great way to talk about how ants are very strong (they can carry 50 times their body weight!) and how they are excellent at gathering food and storing it for winter. Of course there is so much more to teach about ants and how they gather food, but this was simplified for toddlers and preschoolers.

These motor skills activities would be great to work on at home or as a center at a preschool. I'd love to hear if you try it out with your kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Motor Skills Practice {With a Bug Theme}

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Motor skills are very important to work on in the early years. Both fine motor and gross motor skills are equally important to work on. Today I'm sharing a gross motor and fine motor activity to do with toddlers or preschoolers with a bug theme (and we focused on ants, since that is the bug of the week!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Bugs and Bottle Tops is a simple and fun activity for kids to play with. It is a great opportunity for children to develop their fine motor skills.

The activity can be incorporated into a science topic such as bugs or insects or learning about the letter B learning centre and also an opportunity to sort, classify and match colours.

We have been exploring bugs in our Pre-Primary (5 year olds) science program, sharing books about them, searching for bugs in the playground with magnifying glasses, bringing some bugs into the classroom and observing them. We have also been drawing and labelling them.

The Bugs and Bottle Tops was a small group (2-3 children) activity that was set up in our classroom with purpose of provide an opportunity for developing their fine motor skills and linking it to bug theme we have been covering in science. The class had so much fun with this activity, sorting, matching and classifying the bugs and coloured bottle tops. We also discussed that if these pretend bug counters were real-life bugs, how would we need to pick them up without hurting them. It was so wonderful to see children carefully picking up the bugs by the body and not the legs as these could break off easily.

What you will need?

You will need tweezers or min tongs, assortment of bottle tops and bugs or insect counters.

Some Ideas:

Use the tweezers to pick up the bugs and place them into the bottle top.

Turn the bottle tops over and place the different bugs sitting on top rather than inside the bottle top.

Have a variety of bottle top and plastic lids sizes.

Sort and match the bugs to the same colour bottle tops.

Introduce other items that children can place the bugs onto such as blocks.

Problem solving - what can we do with the bugs that are too big to fit into the bottle tops?

Let's Learn

Sorting and matching the different coloured bugs with the same colour bottle top.

If you do not have bottles, you could also use large counters or tokens, blocks, a muffin or cupcake tin turned upside down and branch circles.

Learning Opportunities

Fine Motor Development - strengthens hands, wrists and fingers.

Hand-Eye Coordination and Control

Concentration

Colour recognition - matching

Sorting, matching and classifying

Language development - names of bugs and colours

Problem solving - overcoming challenges

Click here for more COLOUR activities & play ideas

Click here for more FINE MOTOR activities & play ideas

Available in our online shop:

Please click on the product names to view full product details.
Bugs Counters Pack of 108 Insect Figurines Set of 12 Easy Grip Tweezers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bugs and Bottle Tops is a simple and fun activity for kids to play with. It is a great opportunity for children to develop their fine motor skills. The activity can be incorporated into a science topic such as bugs or insects or learning about the letter B learning centre and...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Activities Crawling with Fun | Insect activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jun 5, 2019 - Learn about the small world of insects with these preschool activities crawling with fun! Math, literacy, and science learning through play!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Activities (With images) | Preschool insects activities, Bug activities, Bugs preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 18, 2018 - Looking for awesome Bug Activities for preschool? This awesome set is a mix of cute preschool bug crafts and educational activities for your math and literacy centers. They are hands on, and there is some fun science mixed in as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Preschool Insect Theme Sorting Worksheet + Bug Activities | Insects theme preschool, Insects preschool, Bug activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Feb 18, 2019 - This printable insect sorting worksheet is perfect for your preschool insect theme week! Children can use the insect cut outs to sort the bugs by insects characters like wings vs no wings? They can use

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Description
Find details about the BUGS Fine Motor Busy Bins insect themed activity descriptions and extra supply lists below. Check out the images above to see how the busy bins look prepped and ready to go!
Print and prep the fine motor busy bins, and store them in small storage containers with lids (mine are from Walmart - some teachers use ziplock or colorful buckets). Switch out the 12 activities each time you switch themes. Yes, we agree. This is such a great idea!
What is a busy bin exactly?
A busy bin is similar to a busy bag activity. You put the activity together and store it in a bin to be used over and over again. Busy bins are reusable learning activities - prep once and play forever!
Each fine motor busy bin activity comes with an instruction page and a label for your bin.
***This product is part of the Endless Themed Fine Motor Busy Bins Bundle.***

BUGS FINE MOTOR BUSY BINS

Buggy Number Cards - Trace and build numbers 1-20 with beads or buttons focusing on number formation and recognition.

Play Dough Butterfly Wings - Decorate the butterfly's wings with play dough while rolling out and forming balls with play dough. Trying to create symmetrical designs on the wings is fun too!

Color Matching Bees - Help the bees find the same color beehive by sorting the bees by color and linking them together.

Bug Magnet Words - Spell the bug words on the cards with magnets using uppercase magnets to match the cards or lowercase magnets for advanced play.

Alphabet Bug Trace Cards - Trace the uppercase and lowercase letters on the cards to practice letter formation with dry erase markers.

Beehive Shapes - Use play dough to form the shape on the beehive and then trace the dotted lined shapes with dry erase markers.

Buggy Clip Cards 1-10 - Count the spots on the bug on each card and then choose the correct number on the card to clip with a clothespin.

Buggy Play Dough Cards - Form play dough to create the parts of the bugs on the cards. For extra practice, use play dough or dry erase marker to spell out the bug words on the cards.

Counting Ladybug Spots - Identify the number on the card and then add that many black pom poms to the ladybug, counting one at a time.

Caterpillar Crunch Holes - Help the caterpillar crunch through the leaves with a hole punch. Crunch the number of holes according to the number on the leaf (1-12), or use the blank leaves for free practice.

Number Roll & Cover - Roll a die (1-6 or 7-12) and identify the number. Find the same number on the card and cover it with a snap cube. Roll again.

Pom Pom Bugs - Cover the white spots on the bug pictures with the correct colored pom poms to finish the pictures.

EXTRA SUPPLIES & MANIPULATIVES:

The printable pieces of each busy bin are included in the file. Laminating the pieces is recommended. The other supplies include:

Loving everything that's growing in the garden this spring? Our BUGS Fine Motor Busy Bins are the perfect partner to our Bugs Literacy & Math Centers and our Garden Literacy & Math Centers! Don't forget to grab the Garden Fine Motor Busy Bins too!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BUGS Fine Motor Busy Bins - Modern Preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
12 super motivating BUGS Fine Motor Busy Bins for your insect theme to use in preschool, pre-k, kindergarten as morning welcome work tubs. Work on numbers, alphabet, counting, pre-writing, sorting, visual discrimination skills with these reusable activities! Great for small group activities with the 3's.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An early education summer picnic worksheet for developing fine motor skills.
Instant Digital Download.
You can purchase the full summer activity pack in our shop.
This free home school printable worksheet makes a great addition to any homeschooling or classrooms providing a wealth of learning opportunities.

This worksheet is great for individual use or as supplementary material in your home school lessons. We also suggest printing out all of our free printable worksheets and putting them together in a learning folder or binder.

To create a tactile finish item I highly recommend printing them onto high-quality paper such as cardstock or watercolour paper. You may also wish to laminate the worksheet to prolong use.

For more ideas on how to use these cards check out our Instagram @HabitatSchoolhouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Summer Picnic Activity - Fine Motor Skills - Habitat Schoolhouse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An early education summer picnic worksheet for developing fine motor skills. Instant Digital Download. You can purchase the full summer activity pack in our shop. This free home school printable worksheet makes a great addition to any homeschooling or classrooms providing a wealth of learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Color Matching Butterflies | Preschool activities, Fine motor activities for kids, Fine motor activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 29, 2018 - Bugs, butterflies, creepy crawlies…What do they all have in common? The opportunity to have fun while learning using them as themes! Here is a color matching butterflies activity that will be perfect for your preschoolers preparing to go to kindy! For this color matching activity you will need: the free printable(instr…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I think I've shared how much of a focus we've had on Fine Motor skills in my classroom this year. My students have made so much growth in their fine motor skills and keeping the activities in our fine motor center fresh is one of the ways we get tons of practice in in our classroom. We're all about Spring in our classroom during April. The weather is getting a little bit warmer with an occasional rain shower. We're seeing all kinds of plants pop up around our school and we definitely have spring fever in our classroom.

Since we're loving Spring in the classroom, I put together 10 spring themed fine motor activities that you can implement in your classroom in no time. Check them out!
**This post contains affiliate links, which means that I collect a commission, at no additional cost to you, should you choose to make a purchase.**

1. Sticker Flowers
This simple print and go activity is easy for you to prepare and the fine motor practice your students get is PERFECT. Just print the flower page from my FREE download and grab some Avery stickers. Students will use their pinching fingers to peel the stickers off the paper and they will practice targeting by trying to place the sticker inside the circle of the flower.

2. Bug Color Sort
This activity is a fun one. My kids seem to LOVE all the squirmy things in the Spring! I used some plastic grass and a bucket to prepare this activity and added in some plastic bugs. I threw in some assorted tongs for my students and we worked on sorting the bugs by color.

4. Taped Bug Rescue
Spring is the time to enjoy all things squirmy and wormy! This fine motor activity is a super fun one! I grabbed some cardboard (thanks Amazon deliveries!), some masking tape, and some little plastic bugs to get prepared for this activity. I ripped small lengths of masking tape and used them to "trap" the bugs onto the cardboard. My students love using their pinching fingers to peel the tape back and save the bugs!

9. Eye Drop Painting
I always like to include a painting activity in my fine motor centers. My students tend to LOVE them. This is a simple, fun activity that has been a big hit in the classroom. You can grab two FREE templates in my download to use with your students. Students can color the picture if they'd like. I made a quick triangle out of some old cardboard (thanks Amazon deliveries!) to prop the picture upon. Then the fill an eye dropper with paint and drip it down the page to make "rain".
TIP: For runnier paint, mix it with a little bit of water!

Want to grab the FREE printable I made to go along with these activities? Unlock them for FREE in the resource library! Sign up here and you'll get the password sent straight to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Fine Motor Activities for Spring - You Aut-A Know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I think I've shared how much of a focus we've had on Fine Motor skills in my classroom this year. My students have made so much growth in their fine motor skills and keeping the activities in our fine motor center fresh is one of the ways we get tons of practice in in our ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
HiMama Blog - Resources for Daycare Centers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Few of us were prepared for the challenge that is keeping your kiddos busy while working from home. But fear not, we are here to help! Our early childhood educators have prepared a series of activities that you can easily do at home using supplies that you already have or that are easy to find.

Each activity contains a printable with complete step-by-step instructions and materials list, so you can have all this information handy for when you need it.

Most importantly, they were prepared with learning outcomes in mind, so you can make sure that your child will keep on learning and developing while at home.

For Preschoolers

This is a great activity to spark creativity and practice fine motor skills! Kiddos will create their own rainbow using colored construction paper and cotton balls.

Children love to explore different mediums with their hands. This activity will let your little one explore different textures while practicing their letters, numbers and shapes as well as writing!

Now is a great time to teach children why washing our hands is so important! They can see exactly how soap works by repelling the pepper in the water.

With this activity, you and your children can explore how colors melt from the Skittles to create a cool tie dye effect!

This is an open-ended activity where children can use their imaginations and items around the house to design their very own towns!

For Toddlers

In this science inspired activity, toddlers can have fun while using some fine motor skills and learning about the rain.

Help your toddler explore the world of insects with paint and rocks. This activity allows them to work with different textures and not be so "cookie cutter" where every craft looks the same.

Toddlers start to recognize letters early on, so this game will be fun for matching. And what better way to introduce them to the alphabet than through ice cream?

Toddlers love to get their hands "dirty" by exploring all kinds of textures and colors. In this activity, the children will get to add different colors to the shaving cream and use a stick to swirl the colors in order to create a marbling effect.

Teach toddlers how to self regulate with this calm down sensory bottle. You'll be able to get their mind off of being overwhelmed and upset to calming and soothing.

But wait, there's more

If you love these crafts as much as we do, make sure to visit our online activity database. There you will these and many many more activities for kids at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Quarantine Activities for Kids (With Free Printables)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Few of us were prepared for the challenge that is keeping your kiddos busy while working from home. But fear not, we are here to help! Our early childhood educators have prepared a series of activities that you can easily do at home using supplies that you already have or that are easy to find.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fall is a great season for working on counting skills as there are so many gorgeous natural items like acorns and buck eyes to use in hands on math sessions. Don't kids just love collecting and handling them? Today I'm sharing a super Fall counting activity that makes the most of the pretty fallen leaves and also develops fine motor skills too.

How To Set Up A Fine Motor Counting Activity For Fall

(This post contains affiliate links.)

This Fall counting activity is so simple all you need is a couple of shallow baskets, some clothes pins, a sharpie pen and lots of lovely leaves.

I start with a fun walk with the children and give them a little basket or bag so that they can help me collect some leaves. I keep an eye out for some large leaves and a variety of colours if possible to add to the visual stimuli.

Once home I give the leaves a quick wash and dry and then mark out my numbers with a sharpie.

I put the leaves in one basket and the clothes pins in the other and introduce the activity to the children. Children can then peg a number of clothes pins onto the leaves to match the number written on it.

This is a wonderful seasonal activity to develop early math one to one correspondence and number recognition. Clipping and unclipping the clothes pins is great for strengthening little hands, developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination too.

Listed below are lots of ways to differentiate this activity for different abilities and ages and alternative fine motor resource suggestions you could use too so the activity can stay fresh and be revisited a number of times.

Counting Activity Differentiation

For children without number recognition I would add a corresponding number of dots to the leaves as well as, or instead of, the written digit.

For very young children and those new to this activity you could just start with three leaves and the numbers 1 to 3.

For older or more able children you could extend the number range as far as your like and introduce a zero too.

For very able children, along with an extended range of numbers I like to add a few leaves with the same number into the basket too. I then encourage children not only to clip on the correct number of pegs to each leaf, but to find and order leaves 1 to 10 etc too.

Fine Motor Variations

Clothes pins are super for developing fine motor skills but there are lots of other things that children could use to clip or place on the leaves instead. You can keep the math activity fresh easily by switching these items occasionally. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Handy Tip
If you want long lasting leaves or to do this activity all year round why not laminate some leaves? I have some laminated leaves that are now more than 5 years old and the colours have faded a little but they're still going strong.

Have you shared this post with your friends on Facebook or saved it to Pinterest yet?
You Might Also Like:
More Exciting Nature Activities To Try:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fall is a great season for working on counting skills as there are so many gorgeous natural items like acorns and buck eyes to use in hands on math sessions. Don't kids just love collecting and handling them? Today I'm sharing a super Fall counting activity that makes the most of the pretty fallen leaves and also develops fine motor skills too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An insect sensory bin is a great way to explore and learn about bugs from the comfort of your home. In this simple sensory bin I used black beans for the base, then added in plastic insects and bug hunter tools such as a net, magnifying glass, and magnified bug container.
This post contains affiliate links.
Insect Sensory Bin

Materials Needed for Insect Sensory Bin

Caden loved just playing with the insects and black beans in the bin. As he explored the black beans he put some in a small container, added some to the bug net and explored how the beans will hop on the ground when he pushes down on them with his finger. We also explore the insect sensory bin with some extension activities.

Extension Activities

To encourage more learning with the sensory bin we did a couple of extension activities. The first activity we did with the insect sensory bin is very simple. While Caden played with the beans and bugs I read a nonfiction book about different types of insects. Then we would search the sensory bin to see if we had a plastic version of that bug and we would match the bug to the pictures in the book.

The second activity is a sensory matching game. I printed out a vocabulary card with different pictures of insects from . We then dug in the sensory bin to find the bugs that matched the pictures. Fantastic Fun & Learning has a great post with a long list of sensory bin extension activities. You should definitely check it out!

For more wonderful insect and bug activities check out my Pinterest board.
Follow Samantha @Stir the Wonder's board Insect Theme on Pinterest.
© 2013 - 2017, Stir The Wonder. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An insect sensory bin is a great way to explore and learn about bugs from the comfort of your home. In this simple sensory bin I used black beans for the base, then added in plastic insects and bug hunter tools such as a net, magnifying glass, and magnified bug container.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Sensory Bin & Bug Hunt Printable | Sensory bins, Insect activities, Insects theme preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aug 21, 2016 - This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BackToPlay #CollectiveBias Thank you Back to Nature Macaroni & Cheese for sponsoring this post. Try the new Back to Nature Made with Organic Macaroni & Cheese Dinners! June was Get Outdoors Month and July 14th was …

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Sensory Tub & Activities Preschool & Kindergarten Safari LTD

# data[].attributes.body
You can use Easter grass as we cannot use food for the grass

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My kids have always had a certain fascination with bugs while I myself am not a huge insect person. Certain things such as raising butterflies are a lot of fun, but up close interactions with bugs beyond that is just not something I can handle without my skin crawling. This Insect Sensory Bin was a fun way for us to explore the fascination of slimy creepy crawlers without me actually having to handle live bugs. A happy middle ground for us!

Sensory Bins are one of my kids favorite activities, and quite honestly I love them too. They are simple to throw together and can usually entertain kids for quite some time. They are also a fantastic tool for imaginative play, fine motor, and language development. Activities such as this insect sensory bin are extremely open ended and easy to modify to your child's developmental level and needs.

Items Needed for a Bug Bin:

Cooked Spaghetti

Green Food Dye

A Bin (Rubbermaid works great)

Insect TOOBS

Magnifying Glass

Fine Motor Toys (scoops, tweezers, spoons, etc)

Setting Up Play:

This bin does require some prep to play which will take about 30 minutes. To prep your spaghetti for play boil it until it is at the texture you desire. I usually cook ours until it is soft enough to eat. Drain and rinse with cool water. Add in the green food dye and stir until your pasta is fully coated. Then place your pasta in an area that it can dry out. I usually put ours on a cutting board. It should take about 10-15 minutes to reach a level of dried out to where the food dye will not transfer to your hands. Drying times will vary depending on which brand of food dye that you use. Personally I use and love Wilton's Icing Colors because their colors turn out nice and vibrant.

How to Play with Your Insect Sensory Bin:

Once your pasta is ready to go simply pour it into an open container and pour your Insect TOOB on top. Set out your tools for exploration and invite your kids to play!

Meatball started out his play by naming all the bugs in the sensory bin and matching any pairs. Then we discussed how many legs each bug had and whether or not they had wings, antennas, or stingers.

Which was the perfect opportunity to pull out the magnifying glass for further inspection!

After inspecting and exploring every insect it was time to dig into the bin! Spaghetti is definitely one of my favorite sensory materials as it is squishy, stringy, and slimy. It is such a fun material to scoop and dump!

It also is a great challenge for little hands which makes it great for fine motor! It was a fantastic material to imitate grass. Our bugs had a brilliant time playing hide-n-seek in it! Some of them were a bugger to find!

All in all my kids had a blast with this sensory bin! It was a super easy solution for a quick distraction that kept them engaged and learning!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My kids have always had a certain fascination with bugs while I myself am not a huge insect person. Certain things such as raising butterflies are a lot of fun, but up close interactions with bugs beyond that is just not something I can handle without my skin crawling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We're moving through the alphabet and have done a sensory activity for each letter. What to do for the letter I? I decided we'd make an insect sensory bin - and throw in some ice to make it even more interesting!

The day before, I froze some containers that were filled halfway with water. A few hours later I added a plastic bug and more water to each container. Today we had icebergs with bugs frozen inside!

These bugs were from the Safari Ltd Insects Toob. I left out the spider and other bugs that are not insects :P.

First I dumped all the ice from our freezer into a big plastic bin. Then we added our insect icebergs.

Next, my Four helped me stir blue food coloring into a pitcher of water, and we added it to the bin.

And since spring shows no sign of being on its way, we threw in a bunch of icicles from the front of our house.

The water in the bin felt a little - well, icy. So the boys put on their mittens while they tried to figure out how to get the bugs out of the icebergs.

We sprinkled salt on the icebergs and noticed how that helped them melt more quickly.

Pouring warm water on the icebergs melted them pretty fast.

The boys were anxious to de-ice all the bugs, so I drained the bin's cold water and added warm. Things went quickly after that!

Finally, they fished out the bugs using a hand-held sieve. Ew, a cockroach! Throw it back!

Our Icy Insects Sensory Bin was inspired by this post from GummyLump: Ice Sensory Bin - Winter Creative Play.

Looking for more sensory bin ideas? Follow me on Pinterest!
Follow The Measured Mom's board Sensory Bins on Pinterest.
© 2013 - 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Sensory Bin for the Letter I - Icy Insects! - The Measured Mom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're moving through the alphabet and have done a sensory activity for each letter. What to do for the letter I? I decided we'd make an insect sensory bin - and throw in some ice to make it even more interesting! The day before, I froze some containers that were filled halfway with water.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Melting Insects in Ice is fun activity to introduce children and pre-schoolers to the letter I. It is such a fun opportunity to talk about what the letter I looks like and what sound it makes. In this case the I as in Ice and I as in Insect, the 2 different sounds the letter I can make..

Trying to melt the ice the get the insects out also provides an opportunity to talk about the letter, make connections with spoken language and real life experiences.

Melting Insects in Ice is also a great sensory activity using warm and and cold items to explore the senses. The squirter bottles are filled with warm water and used to help melt the ice to getthe insects out.

What you will need?

You will need insect figurines, plastic containers, ice cube trays, squirter bottles filled with warm water and a large tub.

We froze the insects in water the day before the activity and also froze 2 ice cube trays with water. We completed this activity outdoors.

Some Ideas:

The squirter bottles are great for fine motor development and coordination as children need to squeeze and manipulate the water squirter out onto the target they are aiming for.

Talk about the letter I, what sound it makes and other words that begin with this sound.

Talk about the different insects and their names. Where would you find one?

Talk about what the ice and insects feel like - cold, bumpy, smooth and wet. It is so much fun when parts of the insects start sticking out of the ice.

Let's Learn

Learning Opportunities

Fine Motor Development

Problem Solving - over coming challenges and finding solutions.

Hand-Eye Coordination and Control

Cause and Effect - warm water melts ice.

Language development - Identify and recognise insects

Encourages and promotes imaginative play and creativity.

Letter recognition

Oral language development - hearing the sound and saying it out loud.

Exploring the senses and discovering new textures

Find more <ALPHABET> and <SENSORY> Play Activities & ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Letter I Activity - Melting Insects in Ice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Melting Insects in Ice is fun activity to introduce children and pre-schoolers to the letter I. It is such a fun opportunity to talk about what the letter I looks like and what sound it makes. In this case the I as in Ice and I as in Insect...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sensory bins have always been a huge part of our afterschool and summer activities. I'm always looking for wants to make them fun.

But wait your kids are not preschool and kindergarten age. Yup, that is right they are older but STILL love the bins. Each bin provides them a great way to calm down before homework or just great place to play when they need some more sensory input.

Sensory bins are loads of fun and today's water bead bug sensory bin was a HUGE hit at our house.

To make the bin I pulled out all the bug toobs we had. I had some older toobs and newer ones as well. This is a great way to reuse things. We use some of these in a first bug sensory bin.

One fun bug book to go with this bin is: The Icky Bug Alphabet Book . I love having different ABC books to use.

What you need for this activity:

I love just watching my girls pay in the bin. I also love the play in the bins as well. They are always creative in how they play and what they do.

They love pushing the beads and bugs around in the bin. Plus naming all the different bugs they see.

I had fun giving them the challenge to put their hands in and scoop up matching themes for the bugs or to just one bug at a time.

This is fun because they move their hands around in the beads and get loads of touch and feel with this. We had an ant theme and a butterfly theme that they had the most fun with.

Because we had two different sets some of them were similar and different. I had them pick out bugs that were similar and see just how similar they were.

They played a fun game of getting the bugs out of the bin and have them balanced on your hands and not have any water beads. This was loads of fun for them. It took some skill to get the bugs all lined up to take out of the water beads.

Another great activity they did was sorting the bugs in the bin by those that could fly and those that could not. We had a long talk about why they were certain about which bugs could not.

One activity I had them try was searching for one bug in the mix of bugs with their eyes closed. We tried it by keeping all the bugs in and allowing them to take the wrong bugs out. This was fun to see them work together and how having many hands in at the same time did not always help.

Check out these other bug and insect activities:

Check out all the Bug & Insect Activities & Printables on 3 Dinosaurs:

Cassie - 3Dinosaurs.com

About Cassie

Cassie is a mom of three stomping, romping, and roaring girls. She blogs about fun art and craft activities and printables she makes. She includes the odd review of products every now and then. She also blogs about the places that she has taken the girls called trip reviews. She has a few free printable pack for kids ages 2 to 8 and always adding more. She loves to get comments and feedback and always looking for new things to try or do with her girls.

This entry was posted in sensory bin and tagged bugs, sensory bin, water beads. Bookmark the permalink.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sensory Play With Water Bead Bug Sensory Bin

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sensory bins have always been a huge part of our afterschool and summer activities. I'm always looking for wants to make them fun. But wait your kids are not preschool and kindergarten age. Yup, that is right they are older but STILL love the bins.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Oh, how my girls love sensory bins! And, oh, how I love how long they keep my girls occupied! This insect sensory bin for our Bugs, Bees, And Butterflies Preschool Theme Week has been lots of fun, and the girls have requested to play with it several times. I pulled several components from other bins, as well as a few extra goodies.

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you use these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Materials For An Insect Sensory Bin

In addition to the base of black beans, it includes:

I also had our standard sensory bin tools nearby.

I love watching the girls play to see what they'll come up with.

Maggie was trying SO hard to get these chopsticks to hold the marbles. Her little fingers were working on their super fine motor skills.

The girls worked together to use the tweezers to fill up the bug box. We talked about the different kinds of insects as they worked.

Another fun game we played was to bury all the bugs in the beans and then search for them with the tongs, and then retrieve them. The black bugs were especially tricky!

So Maggie just had to dive in to find them!

And the fun just went on and on and on!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Sensory Bin | What Can We Do With Paper And Glue

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oh, how my girls love sensory bins ! And, oh, how I love how long they keep my girls occupied! This insect sensory bin for our Bugs, Bees, And Butterflies Preschool Theme Week has been lots of fun, and the girls have requested to play with it several times.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It has been a cold wet spring here this year and we have not been able to get outside as much as I would have liked. So I felt the need to create a very green and inviting sensory activity for my little toddlers and this vibrant sensory bin did the trick!

Here's how to Set Up Spring Sensory Bin for Toddlers

There is something just a bit less complicated when your sensory bin filler is water.

Yes, water can be messy and I love using other fillers but at the end of the day it is much easier to keep the mess down when water is involved than say for instance with rice.

I decided to use water for this spring sensory bin instead of coloured rice or pasta because I was honestly just a bit lazy!

I did not have time to dye the rice nor did I want to sweep it up afterwards.

So I added water to my large sensory bin and added a lot of green food colouring. I wanted the water to be as vibrant and green as coloured rice would be so that it was inviting and fun for my kids.

Then I pulled out all of the plastic insect and bug toys I could find. I also added spring flowers like tulips and daffodils.

Finally, I added a few plastic trees and our IKEA fake grass plant to create an enchanting spring scene!

Sensory Bin Learning for Toddlers
This was fun sensory play activity for my 14 month old twins and a fabulous opportunity to introduce lots of new vocabulary!

You may ask, why set up a sensory activity like this for 14 month olds?

Well, besides the obvious - to occupy their attention if only for 10 minutes (which it did and more!).

I set up sensory activities like this because it provides so many fun and interesting opportunities to introduce new vocabulary.

Getting Engaged in Activities

I'm not sure about you but being a stay at home mom can be quite boring and I often find myself struggling to keep my attention focused on the kids while playing. But when I set up sensory activities like this with them I'm more engaged. And when I'm more engaged you can bet so are they.

I talked all about the little creepy crawlers and bugs they picked up. I showed them how to place the butterflies in the trees. I talked about the insects hiding in the grass and they loved sticking them in between the blades of the IKEA grass plant. They also splashed around with the bugs in the water. All the while I was describing what they were doing and playing with.

Sensory Bin Fun

This was a totally hit with my twins and with my 4.5 year old when she came home.

She immediately dived right in and even the twins came back over to play with her. This is definitely one we will have to take outside when the weather warms up!

Supplies

(This post and list contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.)

WILL YOU TRY THIS SPRING SENSORY BIN WITH YOUR TODDLER? Pin it for later!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spring Sensory Bin For Toddlers - HAPPY TODDLER PLAYTIME

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It has been a cold wet spring here this year and we have not been able to get outside as much as I would have liked. So I felt the need to create a very green and inviting sensory activity for my little toddlers and this vibrant sensory bin did the trick!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spring Block Center Play Ideas in Preschool | Preschool block area, Blocks preschool, Bugs preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mar 29, 2016 - Here are some Spring block play ideas you can use to transform your block center and spark kids' creativity. Adding simple, seasonal items to the block center can make it "new" and inviting, and may bring

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bugs, Insects, and Spiders in PreK (With images) | Insects theme preschool, Insects preschool, Bugs preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
May 2, 2018 - We started our Bugs, Insects, and Spiders week with a question of the day that would go along with our dramatic play area. I love the photo of the kids in the beekeeping suits in this question. This question is part of my Spring Question of the Day set.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Butterfly Study: Math, Fine Motor, and a Bulletin Board | Block center preschool, Blocks preschool, Bugs preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mar 22, 2016 - Here are some highlights of our Butterfly & Insect Study related to math and fine motor…a cute bulletin board too! If you want to read about our science and literacy activities for our Butterfly & Insect Study click HERE! In the blocks center, I added small rocks, fake leaves, and fake flowers for students to use. Here…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K

Books

Check here for a complete list of Books about Bugs!

Ant Activities

Egg Carton Ants

{Art}
Children paint an egg carton (cut so that each child had 3 egg cups for the 3 body parts) with their choice of either red, brown, or black paint. We add wiggle eyes and pipe cleaner pieces for the antennae and legs.

Ant Hill

{Cooking}
Children make an edible ant hill in a cup. We used a clear punch cup so the children could see the layers they added to their dessert. First they put a layer of chocolate pudding into the cup for the "dirt". Then, they crushed up graham crackers in a plastic ziploc bag and poured the crumbs into the cup for the anthill "sand". Last, they added chocolate chips for the "ants" (you could also substitute raisins instead of chocolate chips).

Bee Activities

Bee Hive Fingerplay

Here is the bee hive
(Cup hands together)
Where are the bees?
(Peek into hive)
Hidden away where nobody sees.
(Hide hive behind back)
Watch and you'll see them come out of the hive.
(Bring hive back out front)
1...2...3...4...5...BUZZ!
(Open fingers one by one. Fingers become the buzzing bees)

Flight of the Bumblebee

{Music, Large Motor}
We play a game with this song by passing a beanbag (the "bee") like a hot potato around the circle of children while the music played. Occasionally, I stop the music, which means the person with the beanbag is "stung" and moves to the middle of the circle.
The Tale of the Tzar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee ~ Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Cocoon & Butterfly

{Art}
We talk about the life cycle of a butterfly, and make a cocoon with a toilet paper tube and white yarn. We decorate a clothespin with pom poms to look like a caterpillar and put it inside the cocoon. Another day, we paint a coffee filter with watercolor paints. When it is time for the butterfly to come out of the cocoon, the butterfly "wings" are then clipped in the clothespin caterpillar.

Butterfly Lacing Cards

{Fine Motor}
To make these, I traced a butterfly outline onto old file folders, cut them out, and punched holes around the edge. The children use yarn to lace through the holes, and decorate them with markers.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Story Retelling

{Literacy, Fine Motor}
The Very Hungry Caterpillar foods are made from construction paper, and are strung on a green ribbon "caterpillar". The children try to sequence the story from memory. Read more about this idea at Eric Carle's Caterpillar Exchange.

Butterfly Patterns

{Math}
We use butterfly counters to make color patterns. The children also make their own pattern with paper butterfly cutouts (I used the small craft punchers to cut the butterflies).
Printable Grid Pattern Paper

More Bug Activities

Play Dough Bugs

{Fine Motor}
We place strips of green construction paper (for grass) in some small bug boxes (available at the Dollar Tree). Children make model bugs with play dough to put in the boxes.

Egg Carton Bugs

{Art}
We make bugs using half of a cardboard egg carton, paint, wiggle eyes, pom-pom balls, and other materials.

Click Beetle

{Art}
This clothespin art activity goes with the book, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, by Eric Carle. You can read about this activity at the Eric Carle Caterpillar Exchange.

Story Retelling

{Literacy}
This is an activity that goes with any theme. Choose a book that goes with the theme, and have the children retell the story.
Read the blog post here for details: story retelling

Bug Twins

{Literacy, Social Skills}
Children are given a simple bug outline. This is not a color sheet, the page only has 3 circles. They work in pairs to create bugs that are the same ("bug twins"). One child has the role of communicator and one child had the role of listener. The communicator adds features to the bug by drawing & coloring, and communicates each step to a partner. The partner listens and adds the same features to the bug without seeing the other child's paper. This project helps with communication skills, listening, following directions, and cooperation.

Counting Flies

{Math}
As gross as it sounds, children are fascinated by this game. Each child has a handful of 8 plastic flies. They throw them onto the table, and count how many flies are dead (on their backs) and how many flies are alive (on their feet).

Sorting by Sizes

{Math}
We use three sizes of craft pom poms (our pretend fuzzy bugs) to sort by size into different sized containers.

Bug Counting Book

{Math}
We make a bug counting book by stamping bug stamps on each page of the book. The words to the book are:
1 bug,
2 bugs,
3 bugs,
4; Those were good, but I want more!
5 bugs,
6 bugs,
7 bugs,
8; The big fat juicy ones taste just great!"

Bug Nature Walk

{Science}
We go on a nature walk to search for bugs, and draw observational pictures of bugs we find.

Picnic Prop Box

{Social Skills}
Include: Blanket, Picnic basket, Paper plates & cups, Play food

Bug Bingo Stamping Game

{Math or Literacy}
Read about and print the Bug Bingo Game here.

Bug Pattern Block Mats

{Math}
Read about and print here: Pattern Block Mat Printables. (Go to this page and look for the caterpillar, butterfly, bee, & dragonfly mats.)

Ladybug Grid Game

{Math}
Read about about print here: Grid Games

Ladybug Roll & Write Game

{Literacy or Math}
Print and find directions here: Roll & Write Games

Color Bugs Printable Book

This book can be printed or projected as a slideshow. Go to the Printable Books page to download.

Rhymes

Nursery rhymes that go well with a Bug Theme:

Here is the Beehive

Little Miss Muffet

Look for printable posters of these rhymes on the Nursery Rhymes Page.

Songs

Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K

Links

In My Shop

Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find more Bug Activities for Pre-K Check here for a complete list of Books about Bugs! {Art} Children paint an egg carton (cut so that each child had 3 egg cups for the 3 body parts) with their choice of either red, brown, or black paint.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Bugs! Most little learners are fascinated with bugs even if they gross them out. Kids have fun watching and touching these tiny, fast-moving critters that fly or crawl. Capitalize on their fascination and do a bug theme in your classroom. I'm here to help you pack your lesson plans with FUN and fabulous buggy-themed activities that your little learners (aka preschool, pre-k or kindergarten kiddos) will LOVE.
This post contains affiliate links.
Check all my Bug Themed Printables (centers, dramatic play, science) from my TPT store HERE!

Caterpillar Patterns! Caterpillars are perfect for so many math activities (counting, measuring, patterns). I created these FREE Caterpillar Pattern Mats and Worksheets you can use in your classroom. You can use them two ways: 1) Students make the caterpillar pattern with pom poms or glass gems or 2) Use them as a worksheet and students create the patterns with dot daubers.

Bee Hive Counting! Make a beehive by drizzling yellow paint and hot glue all over an egg carton (this one is from Sams). Students roll a die, count out the corresponding number of mini eraser bees or pollen (yellow pom poms), and place it in the beehive. If you want to sneak in more fine motor work, have students use tweezers to count out the pollen and bees.

Bee 2D Shape Match! These bees need to find their corresponding hives. Students simply match the shaped bees to the matching beehive.

Buggy Ten Frame Math Mats! Ten frame mats are one of my go-to morning table time activities because they are low prep, hands on and my students love them. Laminate the mats or place in a dry erase pocket. Students can trace the number and number word! Use mini erasers or bingo clips to fill in the ten frame mats.

Ladybug Math Craft! Ladybugs are the perfect bug for counting and adding (this craft also has an addition option). Students cut out all the pieces then assemble the ladybug. They pick a number, count out the corresponding number of dots and write the number on the body! These would make the cutest bulletin board too.

Bug Play Dough Tray! My students went bonkers for this bug play dough tray! They enjoyed hiding and creating little buggy habitats for the bugs. I think the worms were their favorite; you can find them in the fishing section at Walmart (just make sure they do NOT have hooks in them). Then add green gems (Dollar Tree), circle cookie cutter, oval cookie cutter, pebbles (Dollar Tree), bugs, plastic plants (Dollar Tree), a mini rolling pin (Walmart) and green and brown play dough. Your kiddos will be exercising and strengthening those fine motor muscles in no time!

Caterpillar Name Craft! Name crafts are one of my new favorite things (besides play dough trays). It's a fun way to practice scissor skills and name writing because what kid doesn't absolutely love activities with his/her name? If your students need extra support cutting, have them use these loop scissors that bounce back open. Using supports such as loop scissors, all of your students can do the craft independently (or almost independently).

Bug Letter and Sound Writing Tray! Writing trays are a FUN way for students to practice writing and making letters. This tray has dried peas, which is meant to represent grass. Students pick an uppercase letter card and find the matching lowercase letter and initial sound. Then they write the letter in the tray and build it with insect mini erasers. This hands-on activity is so much more fun and engaging than worksheets!
Just a note - I only put out about 1/3 of the alphabet bug cards for this activity so it wouldn't be overwhelming for my kiddos.

Bug Syllable Sort! Glue the bug cards on green popsicle sticks and make little grass cups (fill with dried peas) for a fun buggy syllable game. Students count out the number of syllables in the word and stick it in the matching cup.

Bug Writing Table! If your students LOVE legos as much as mine do, they will LOVE building words with letter legos from Lakeshore Learning. I always try to put something new or a new writing tool at the writing table to keep it exciting. These insect word cards are the best because they have real photographs of bugs on them! The green bucket has insect fine motor strips which students can trace or cut for some fun fine motor work.

Bug Bookshelf! Friends, there are just so many wonderful bug books available that it's hard to pick which ones will go on the shelf! My new favorite is Bug Zoo, and I have a giant list of my favorite bug books HERE.

Bug Sensory Table! Fill the sensory table with black beans, real dirt or rubber mulch (Lowes has it) for your bug theme! Then add bug counters, worms, plastic jars, tiny shovels or rakes, fake leaves and handy scoops.

Butterfly Symmetry Smash Art! Butterflies are a fun way to explore symmetry for little learners. Cut out butterflies from construction paper by folding it in half. Then students squirt paint on one half of the butterfly, fold it together and smash it! When they open the butterfly, it will be the same on both sides. Once it's dry, add some pipe cleaners antennas. The small paint bottles are from Discount School Supply.

Bug Stamp Art! Explore the parts of an insect in the art center. Insects have three body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs and two antennas. Students stamp the balloons to create the three body parts then draw the legs and antennas with black oil pastels. Use green oils pastels to draw grass around the insects. If you don't want to use balloons or can't use balloons, use stress balls or circle sponges.

Bug Science! There are many insects you can bring into your classroom for an insect theme like ants, ladybugs or butterflies. Bringing live insects in the classroom gives students the opportunity to observe the insects closely from how they move, to what they eat and even observe parts of the life cycle of the insect. I typically only do one live insect each year in my classroom. You can build on the bug science theme by placing plastic insects, life cycle posters, parts of the insect posters, books, vocabulary cards, magnifying glasses and discovery pages at the table.

The ant and ladybug science table printables are in my All About Insects unit and the butterfly printables are separate in my All About Butterflies unit.

Insects are so tiny and may be difficult to see. No problem! During small group time, I will place the insect habitat on the floor for students to observe. They lay on their bellies to observe the insect while the share what they notice, see and wonder. Then they draw something they observed just like real scientists!

Insect Block Center and STEM! Place Spring STEM I Can Build Cards, plastic insects, fake leaves, rocks, tree rings, fake flowers and books about insects in the blocks center. New props will challenge students to extend their block play by planning and building NEW things related to insects!

Check out this bug building a little friend made! He said it was the "bug's house deep in the forest."

Garden Shop Dramatic Play! Transform the dramatic play center into a Garden Shop or a Campsite for your bug theme. Garden Shop is one of my all time favorites!

I hope you have found many exciting ideas to pack your lesson plans full of tons of engaging insect activities for your little learners! If you want all the Insect Math and Literacy Centers, you can grab them HERE from my TPT store!

If you want the All About Insect or All About Butterflies, click the covers below, and it will take you right to my TPT store! They are both packed tons of real photographs, vocabulary cards, posters, anchor charts, activities, parent note and teacher pages with photos of the units in action to help you set up your classroom!

Love it? Pin it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Centers and Activities - Pocket of Preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bugs! Most little learners are fascinated with bugs even if they gross them out. Kids have fun watching and touching these tiny, fast-moving critters that fly or crawl. Capitalize on their fascination and do a bug theme in your classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insects. Parts of an insect. Language arts. Science. Pre-k #insects | Insects preschool, Insects kindergarten, Bugs preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oct 13, 2019 - Insects. Parts of an insect. Language arts. Science. Pre-k Insects. Parts of an insect. Language arts. Science. Pre-k

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We've been doing a lot of hands-on math for preschool at home. Since we're learning about the Letter I, we did math activities related to ice cream, insects, and inches!
1 - Counting, Number Recognition - Ice Cream Count & Match
This was a simple file folder game to practice counting and labeling items up to 10. My Two just worked on the #1-5 page. He cannot count items past 3 correctly, but he had fun doing it with me. My Four breezed through it. So maybe this is an activity best done by a three-year-old. Which we don't have right now. 🙂 You can view my original post here to get the printable.
2- Colors, Number Recognition - Buggy Board Game
All my kids had fun with this simple board game. It was designed with my Two in mind, and it was just the right length for his attention span. He moved to spaces by drawing colored cards. Then he read the number that he landed on. I've also made a blank copy of the board so that you can program it with any numbers you want (or math facts for older kids!). Read more about it and get your copy of the game here.
3 - Counting, Addition - Bugs in a Jar
This was for my Four and Five to complete together. They counted plastic insects and wrote number sentences to show how many bugs were in and out of the jar. View my post and get a copy of the mat and worksheet here.
4 -Matching - Insect Shadow Match
This was fun and just right for my Two. I printed a set of bugs and their shadows for him to match. This was a also a great chance to talk about which bugs were insects and which were not. You can get this great printable from Busy Little Bugs.
5 - Patterns - Insect Patterns
We printed lots of these insects to practice making patterns. I tried to help my Two make basic ABAB patterns, but he wasn't getting it. So my Four worked on it instead and was surprised at how many patterns he could figure out and extend. You can find these insects and a ton of other great bug ideas and printables from Oopsey Daisey.
6 - Measurement - How long is an inch? (measurement hunt)
This was fun for us - my Four and Five went on a measurement hunt to find objects that were the same length, longer, or shorter than an inch. This really helped my Four with the concept of linear measurement. You can read more about what we did here.
7 - Counting, Number Recognition, Ordering, One-to-One Correspondence - Ice Cream Number Learning Activity
My Four opted out of this one, so it was a great opportunity to focus on basic counting with my Two. I gave him the three cones and he helped me identify the numbers. He knew the number "1." For the other two he had to count the dots to get the number right. Together we put the ice cream cones in order. Then he was able to count and glue ice cream scoops to each cone. This was a nice visual for us to refer back to and gave him extra practice recognizing the numbers 1-3. This idea is from Learn with Play at Home, where she describes it in detail and explains how to modify the activity for different age levels.

So did you see anything you'd like to try? We've got lots more math ideas - just click on the image below!

© 2013 - 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hands-on Math for Preschool: The Letter "I" - The Measured Mom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We've been doing a lot of hands-on math for preschool at home. Since we're learning about the Letter I, we did math activities related to ice cream, insects, and inches!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find lots of fun insect activities for your preschool and pre-k classroom. These activities are perfect for your insects & bugs themed learning centers.

Insects don't have to be scary and gross. Make the study of insects and bugs exciting with this collection of fun insect-themed activities for your kiddos.

Caterpillar Pattern Craft Activity

Combine math, craft, and fine motor skills activities while making these simple caterpillar pattern activities.

Insect Theme Invitation to Play

Gather a variety of materials into a divided tray. Add playdough. Then stand back and watch kids create with this fun bit themed playdough invitation to play.

Bug and Insect Number Activities

There are so different ways that you can use this Bug & Insect Number resource from my store.

Sort the cute fireflies by color

Use number cards for number recognition and counting activities

Work on simple addition

Butterfly Invitation to Play

I love gathering thematic materials to create an invitation to play. Colored beads, flowers, and plastic butterflies can be used to create a fun butterfly theme playdough tray. Your kids will love this open-ended creative activity.

Butterfly Matching Activity

Here is another butterfly activity. Kids can match butterfly halves with this butterfly matching activity that is found in my store. It's a great visual discrimination activity.

Insect Theme Books

Are you looking for new books about creepy crawlies? Here is a nice list of bug and insect books for kids.

Entomology Lab Dramatic Play

Create an insect research lab in your classroom. Kids can collect insect specimens, measure them and observe them. Don't forget to provide opportunities to record their data. Your little scientists will have so much fun when you transform your dramatic play area into an entomology lab.

Counting and Sorting Insects

Kids will enjoy sorting a variety of insects into sorting containers. Muffin tins, egg cartons, and ice cube trays can be used.

I found this inexpensive divided box with the fishing gear at my local Wal-mart. I think it's a great bug sorting tool.

Design an Insect Habitat

Gather a variety of materials from silk flowers to colored beads. Let your kids design a habitat for plastic insects. They can then pretend to conduct research as they observe the insects and record the data.

Caterpillar Pattern Activities

Kids can identify and complete the pattern in this hands-on caterpillar patterning activity found in the store.

Butterfly Symmetry Activity

Using this free butterfly printable to introduce the concept of symmetry. Kids can design the wings on one half of a butterfly and use a mirror to complete the butterfly.

Bumblebee Literacy Clip Cards

Work on alphabet matching and beginning sounds with these bumblebee clip cards from the store. This activity is easily adapted for different learners.

Ten Frame Activities

Use this free ten frame printable and some fun insect stickers to make a DIY insect math activity.

Creepy Crawly Sensory Bin

Let your kids catch insects in the sensory bin. Use Easter grass, plastic insects, tweezers, and clear containers. Check out this sensory materials ideas list to get even more ideas for your sensory bin.

Make Number Books

Use fun buggy stickers to create thematic number books. These printable books can be found in my store, but you can easily make your own.

Additional Activities

I hope that you and your kids have fun with these insect activities. Do you have additional ideas for activities for an insects and bugs theme? Please share them in the comments below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insect Activities That will Excite Your Kids - Early Learning Ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find lots of fun insect activities for your preschool and pre-k classroom. These activities are perfect for your insects & bugs themed learning centers. Insects don't have to be scary and gross. Make the study of insects and bugs exciting with this collection of fun insect-themed activities for your kiddos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every spring my children and I love sitting in my front yard and spotting colorful butterflies fluttering around, hearing bees humming on newly blossomed flowers and seeing brightly colored ladybugs on the leaves of plants. It always sparks our creativity so over the years we've created quite a collection of insect crafts. If you love exploring insects during the spring season like us, you are going to love these amazing insects arts and crafts ideas.

Click on the title links underneath the photo collages to be taken to the full insects arts and crafts ideas tutorials. If you would like to share this post ( please do!) we would appreciate if you would use the top square image for social shares or the vertical image at the bottom for pinning.

Butterfly Crafts
Gorgeous Watercolor Butterfly Craft Painted Newspaper Butterfly Craft Paper Bag Butterfly Puppet Wood Peg Doll and Cardboard Butterfly Craft Pretty Handprint Butterfly Craft Black Glue Butterfly Art Project
Ladybug Crafts
Eric Carle Inspired Ladybug Craft Paper Bowl Ladybug Craft Cardboard Roll Ladybug Craft Recycled Cardboard and Sticks Ladybug Craft Balloon Print Ladybugs Tissue Paper Ladybug Craft
Bee Crafts
Recycled Cardboard Roll Bee Craft Paper Bowl Bee Craft Spring Time Fuzzy Bees Craft Adorable Bee Finger Puppets Simple Paper Straw Bee Craft Paper Bag Bee Puppets
Dragonfly Crafts
Shimmery Dragonfly Craft for Kids Clothespin Dragonfly Craft Simple Paper Dragonfly Craft Paint Strip Dragonfly Craft Wooden Spoon Dragonfly Craft Beaded Dragonfly Craft
Lightning Bugs Crafts
Paper Bag Lightning Bug Craft Leo the Lighting Bug Craft Beaded Glow-in-the-Dark Lightning Bugs
More fun spring arts and crafts ideas:

These 3D Flower Crafts are bright and colorful and are perfect for spring time crafting.

Looking for a fun way to get kids outdoors? These spring nature scavenger hunt ideas are sure to be a hit!

Easter crafts are another spring favorite! Check out these cute paper Easter Crafts over at Red Ted Art.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insects Arts And Crafts Ideas - I Heart Crafty Things

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every spring my children and I love sitting in my front yard and spotting colorful butterflies fluttering around, hearing bees humming on newly blossomed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Invitation To Create: Build A Bug (With images) | Preschool crafts, Crafts for kids, Preschool art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 9, 2016 - Invitation To Create: Build A Bug. Open ended creative insect paper craft for kids. Great for color recognition & fine motor development. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and elementary children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Need a fun play dough activity for your bug theme? Your little learners will absolutely love this insect play dough activity! This play dough activity is the perfect addition to a Spring unit or celebration in your classroom. Your Preschool or Pre-K students will have a blast exploring and creating butterflies, ladybugs, and more with this hands-on play dough activity!

Bug Play Dough Activity

At first glance, it's easy to think that play dough is just for fun and doesn't have any academic value, but playing with dough has plenty of educational benefits!

Giving young children opportunities to use play dough daily helps them develop important creativity and fine motor skills in fun and playful ways. Just rolling dough and putting buttons and pipe cleaners into dough has so many educational benefits for young children.

Making bugs with play dough is a great introduction to life science. If your students have been exposed to books or activities about insects already, they may use that knowledge to help them make their play dough bugs. (Check out thisinsect book list.)

You could also include pictures of bugs and insects to go along with your play dough invitation. Looking at the pictures will provide your little learners with the opportunity to look at the cards and use them as a visual guide, if they choose to use them at all. For example, when they look at a picture of a ladybug, they may decide to use the red play dough to make a ladybug and then add black buttons to represent spots. They may look to see how many legs a ladybug has and count the number of pipe cleaners they need.

Bug Play Dough Invitation

Here's a list of supplies you may choose to use when setting up a fun and inviting bug theme play dough invitation in your own classroom.

These are just suggestions, you can use whatever supplies you prefer or have available in your classroom or home.

To create options for your kids to add legs and antennae, cut your pipe cleaners into pieces. Then, place all of the materials on a tray for your kids to investigate and explore.

Making Bugs with Play Dough

This activity is a great way for preschoolers to explore, create, and develop fine motor skills while learning about insects!

Start by setting up your bug play dough invitation on a chip and dip tray, you can usually find these types of chip and dip trays at your local dollar store. These trays are visually appealing, but you can use any tray or flat container you have available.

Bug Play Dough Tray

There's no right or wrong way to use the materials, play dough invitations are supposed to be open-ended experiences. Start by inviting your little learners to explore the materials on the tray.

As they begin to build and create with the play dough and materials on the tray, their creativity and imaginations will begin to take over. When young children are engaged in activities that invite them to be creative and use their imaginations, their attention spans are being expanded naturally. Think about how much your kids can benefit from increased attention spans!

If you're wondering what you should do if your kids want to use just some of the materials and not others, don't worry. The answer is simple, just let them choose!

Playing with dough should be an open-ended activity without any set expectations. If your kids don't want to use the pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes, or buttons in the dough, no problem. It's all about the process of creating with the materials. Let your kids choose what to do with the dough and materials, you'll be surprised at how creative they can be when given a chance!

More Insect Ideas

Insect Science: Ant Life Cycle Craft - This preschool science activity involves creating an ant life cycle craft and would be a wonderful addition to any insect themed learning experience at home or in the classroom!

Insect Alphabet Matching Game - Learning about insects is a perfect springtime theme for preschoolers. This insect alphabet matching activity will allow your children to look closely at the characteristics of insects and help your preschoolers learn uppercase and lowercase letters.

Insect Counting Cards - This simple insect counting activity that your preschoolers will love.Both games provided will support number recognition, counting skills, and sequencing.

Printable Insect Classification Activity- Learning about insects is a fun way to celebrate the spring season! This activity involves classifying insects and animals using hands-on materials to accompany one of my favorite children's books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Need a fun play dough activity for your bug theme ? Your little learners will absolutely love this insect play dough activity! This play dough activity is the perfect addition to a Spring unit or celebration in your classroom. Your Preschool or Pre-K students will have a blast exploring and creating butterflies, ladybugs, and more with this hands-on play dough activity!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
17 Best bug dramatic play images | Dramatic play, Bugs preschool, Insects preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
May 8, 2016 - Explore svwebber's board "bug dramatic play" on Pinterest. See more ideas about Dramatic play, Bugs preschool, Insects preschool.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creepy Crawly role play area (With images) | Dramatic play preschool, Dramatic play, Role play areas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 5, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Karen Schreiber. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Theme: Dramatic Play Activities For Preschool Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dramatic play themes are enjoyable for preschool-age children who are newly exploring the concepts of using their imaginations and engaging in pretend play. Because many preschoolers are fascinated with insect life, teachers can encourage this interest by planning a bug theme dramatic play session.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
An Insect Theme Dramatic Play Area: How to Make An Insect Pretend Play Lab

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you looking for a super fun way add a bug and insect theme to your dramatic play area? Find ideas to create an entomology lab dramatic play area setup. Your kids will love playing and learning in this insect pretend play area. JUST Purchase the pRINTABLES No Time to Read The Whole Article?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dramatic Play Do you struggle to find time to change out the props in your dramatic play center? Learn how to quickly and easily transform your dramatic play center into a learning powerhouse! Save time with done-for-you dramatic play resources to help you teach better and live more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Printable Bugs/Insects Math and Literacy Activities | Math activities preschool, Literacy activities preschool, Preschool activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jul 24, 2017 - Printable bugs/insects math and literacy activities for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bugs and Insects Math and Literacy Activities | Literacy activities preschool, Preschool activities, Math activities preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
May 19, 2017 - Printable bugs and insects math and literacy activities for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten. Engaging additions to any spring unit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bugs and Insects Theme Activities in Preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bugs and insects theme unit for preschool, pre-k and kindergarten. Ideas, activities, and printables for math and literacy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Roll and Graph Insect Math Activity for Pre-K and Kinder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's time to get 'buggy' with it! Up next in our Roll and Graph Series is this adorable Roll and Graph Insect Math Activity! Simply grab this free printable for an instant graphing activity that your students are going to love!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This ladybug roll and cover math game is a fun way to practice math skills like counting and addition. It's perfect for your insect theme lesson plans.

This week the PLAYful Preschool theme is ladybugs. The team has a bunch of playful ladybug learning activities planned for you! Check them all out below.

Over the last week, we have had a lot of fun learning about ladybugs. We even did this neat activity where we modeled the life cycle of the ladybug with play dough. I thought it would be fun to plan a ladybug math game too, so I came up with this roll and cover activity.
Materials Needed:
Playing the Ladybug Roll and Cover Math Game

To begin, I instructed Evan to roll one die and cover that many spots on the ladybug with buttons. For example, he rolled a three and then covered three spots on the ladybug with buttons. This continued until he had all of the spots covered with buttons.

After that, I instructed him to roll both dice and add the two numbers together. Then he covered that many spots on the ladybug with buttons.

Another option is to write numbers 1-12 in the spots on the ladybug. Have the child roll both dice and add the two numbers together. Then they should look for that number on the ladybug and cover it with a button. If there is more than one instance of that number on the ladybug, then you can choose to have them cover only one of them or all of them.

Overall, it was a great way to practice counting, adding, one to one correspondence and subitizing. Manipulating the buttons and placing them directly on each blank spot proved to be great fine motor practice for Evan as well!

More Ladybug learning Activities from the #PlayfulPreschool Education Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This ladybug roll and cover math game is a fun way to practice math skills like counting and addition. It's perfect for your insect theme lesson plans. This week the PLAYful Preschool theme is ladybugs. The team has a bunch of playful ladybug learning activities planned for you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nothing screams fun quite like a batch of creepy crawly bugs! Kids will love practicing counting and addition with these playful bug race math games. They're perfect to use as math centers, homeschool activities or a ready to go afternoon game.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Getting Ready

The prep for this game was as quick as it comes. I printed the game boards (below) on cardstock to give them extra durability and grabbed two dice and a handful of bugs I picked up from the Dollar Store.

Counting Bug Race

I created two versions of the game to make it easy to differentiate for a variety of learners.

I wanted Middle Brother (age 4.5) to warm up by practicing counting to six so we started with the first game. He eagerly picked one of the plastic bugs to use as his counter and placed it next to my bug on the start line.

I explained that our hungry bugs had stumbled across a picnic. Their stomachs were growling so they couldn't resist grabbing a few crumbs to fill their bellies. Now they were racing to run away before the picnic goers caught them.

Middle Brother was excited for the challenge. He eagerly rolled one die and counted the number of dots that landed on top.

"Four!" he called out. He found the first four written on the path and moved his bug to that space.

I was up next and rolled a two. I found the first two on the path and placed my bug on top of it.

One roll after another, we inched our way to the finish line.

Addition Bug Race

When our first round was complete, I pulled out the second version of the game: Addition Bug Race!

The premise was the same - our bugs were racing to the finish line just like before - but this time we needed to roll TWO dice and add the numbers together to get a sum.

Middle Brother's first roll was a five.

He searched the path and moved his bug to the first five he could find.

He loved the extra challenge and was even more excited when he beat me to the finish line. (Clearly he inherited my competitive spirit!)

Grab Your Pack

Click the blue button below to download your free bug race games and then check out 20 more bug and butterfly activities your kids will love!
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Ladybug Playdoh Math Counting Mats // Fun with Mama

Get the Bugs Out Sensory Bin // Coffee Cups and Crayons

Butterfly Alphabet Puzzles // Modern Preschool

Butterfly World Play Dough Kit // Mama. Papa. Bubba.

Bug Addition Cards // The Kindergarten Connection

Caterpillar Word Family Activity // Mom Inspired Life

Bug Race Math Game // The STEM Laboratory

Ant Life Cycle: First, Next, Then // Liz's Early Learning Spot

Collecting Bugs Addition Game for Preschoolers // Stay at Home Educator

Butterfly I Spy Game // Pleasantest Thing

3D Ladybug Counting Game // M is for Monster

DIY Clay Minibeast Tic Tac Toe // Adventures of Adam

Butterfly Life Cycle Hats // Playdough to Plato

Butterfly Count and Color Sort // Powerful Mothering

Visual Closure Activities Bugs Theme // Sugar Aunts

Coffee Filter Butterfly Craft for Kids // Pre-K Pages

Spring Insects Skip Counting Puzzles // The Simplified Classroom

Ladybug Spot Counting Activity // Play & Learn Everyday

Days of the Week Caterpillar // Fairy Poppins

Butterfly Memory Game // Teach Me Mommy

(Not Shown) Toilet Paper Roll Butterfly Craft // Life Over Cs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Race Math Games - The Stem Laboratory

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nothing screams fun quite like a batch of creepy crawly bugs! Kids will love practicing counting and addition with these playful bug race math games. They're perfect to use as math centers, homeschool activities or a ready to go afternoon game. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Activities for ages 3 to 8.

Looking for some cool bug activities to try with your kids? These 21 creepy crawly math, literacy and craft projects are sure to be a hit. Whether you're looking for new ideas for an insect unit or you just want to step up the fun factor, we hope you love these 21 cool bug activities as much as we do.

Preschoolers will love practicing counting and number recognition with these awesome number cards.

Play in a bug hunt sensory bin. // Mama Miss

Grab a bag of dollar store plastic bugs and sort them by color and legs.

Decorate some beautiful bug playdough mats. // Picklebums

And stamp some playdough fossils. // No Time for Flashcards

Practice counting with a fun round of Bugs in a Jar. // The Measured Mom

Make some crafty bug number bonds. {This one's great for older kids!}

Practice counting with some adorable bumblebee clip cards. // From ABCs to ACTs

Sort bugs by type. // PreKinders

Pair bugs with a matching colored leaf. // The Activity Mom

Then burn off a little extra energy with some creepy crawly action cards. // Oopsey Daisy

Swat some sight word bugs. // Kindergarten Rocks

Match up capital and lowercase ABC ladybug spots. // I Heart Crafty Things

Turn a water bottle into an awesome lightning bug. Just slide a glow stick inside to make it shine at night. // How Does She?

And whip up a batch of Band-aid lightning bugs. // No Time for Flashcards

That's 21 entertaining math, literacy and craft projects in all!

Find More

For even more fun, check out our free printables !

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
21 Cool Bug Activities for Kids - Playdough To Plato

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Activities for ages 3 to 8. Looking for some cool bug activities to try with your kids? These 21 creepy crawly math, literacy and craft projects are sure to be a hit. Whether you're looking for new ideas for an insect unit or you just want to step up the fun factor, we hope you love these 21 cool bug [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is An Insect Bulletin Board (With images) | Science bulletin boards, Classroom bulletin boards, Kids bulletin boards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 22, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Holly Humphries. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our last study of the school year was butterflies and insects! We observed caterpillars turn into butterflies. It doesn't matter how many times I do this study, I am always just as excited as the kids to watch them change into butterflies! After we let the butterflies go, the students wanted to continue learning about other insects so we did. The students lead the learning in my class. I can teach them the skills they need when we study any topic. The things we study are the things my students are interested in so they are more invested in their learning!

I kept the caterpillars/butterflies in my discovery center for students to observe and journal. Below is a picture of my discovery center.

During any science study I always have quality non-fiction books for students to use for research. I always keep a student created book of the journals students have created. Students look through the science journals to look at the pictures and words others drew to show their thinking then compare it to their own thinking.

Do you love the label on the butterfly books? One of my kiddos told me it needed a label so kids would know where to put the books back.

I try to have mostly student created materials on my walls. During small group, students created the Life Cycle of a Butterfly Poster and the Parts of a Butterfly Poster. They used the vocabulary cards to help to copy the words. When it is something they create, they use it more, talk about it more, and reference it more!

We used this tally chart to track how many days a butterfly is in each stage of it's life.

When the butterflies were set free, we began to focus our learning on ALL types of insects. Here how I changed the discovery center. The book box changed from only butterflies to all insects. Students created poster on the parts of other insects.

Is it an Insect? We created this poster during circle time. It was a way for me to assess if students knew the characteristics of an insect. It was fun to hear the students share why it was or wasn't an insect. Sometimes a debate occurred. Students had strong opinions. It was a great discussion!

To end our study, I had each student draw and write on a post-it note one thing they learned. As each shared what they learned, we did a cheer as they added their idea to the chart! I love to celebrate students' ideas and thoughts!

To get students up and moving, we played letter or sight word musical chairs using the life cycle letter or word cards. I simply put a white board, dry erase marker, and an eraser at each chair.

On each dry erase board put a letter card or a word card in the corner. We played the music and the students danced around the tables/desks. When music stopped, the students sat a chair they are near. They wrote the letter or word as many times as they can in the time you give them. Then they erased their boards and did it again. My students LOVE this game!

I divided my students by ability for this game. One table had sight words and one table had letters. The students ASK to play this game!

Check out my post to see what we did for math, fine motor, and the cute bulletin board I created for our Butterfly Study click HERE! It all wouldn't fit in one post!

Do you want to try some of the activities we did? You can! All of the activities above plus MANY more are included Life Cycle of a Butterfly!

RAFFLE HAS CLOSED

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Butterfly Study: Science & Literacy (and GIVEAWAY) - Pocket of Preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our last study of the school year was butterflies and insects! We observed caterpillars turn into butterflies. It doesn't matter how many times I do this study, I am always just as excited as the kids to watch them change into butterflies!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Normally I am not the hugest fan of bugs (especially mosquitos!), but bug themed learning activities always go over well with my preschoolers! Kids are naturally curious when it comes to living things and nature, so exploring insects and using them to learn keeps learners engaged. Our free printable bug catcher counting & number play dough mats focus on numbers 1-20, number words, counting skills, and fine motor practice in just this one math activity! The great thing is that prepping it once will allow learning and fun to happen over and over again.

The bug catcher & counting number play dough mat set includes a bug catcher play dough mat, 20 bug cards, and 10 number word cards.

The bug cards have the numbers 1-20 on them. The number word cards include 1-10.

Prepping the printable activity takes no time! Print the play dough mat and number cards. Cut the number cards apart on the gray dotted lines. Laminate the set so that the play dough does not ruin the paper. You can also use plastic page protectors with the play dough.

Put all of the bug number cards or number word cards into a small basket. Pull one number at a time. Identify the number and start creating that many play dough bugs to put in the bug catcher.

There are many different ways to play with the bug catcher counting & number play dough mats! The bug number cards can be used to make the same number of bugs in the bug catcher. You can also make the numeral out of the play dough, or even spell out the number word by memory.

The same is true with the number words. Create the same number of bugs, roll out the numeral in play dough, or make the letters of the word on the bug catcher.

Activities that can be played in different ways also grow with the skill level of the child and seem like new activities each time they are played another way!

The great thing about making play dough bugs, is that there is no wrong way to make a bug out of play dough!

Play dough is one of my favorite things for preschoolers to work with. Along with all of the academic skills that play dough can be used to teach or practice, fine motor skills are strengthened.

Add our bug catcher counting & number play dough mats to your busy bag collection or math center!

Stick the printable set in a reusable freezer bag until you are ready to play again!

Check out other bug themed reusable busy bag activities that your preschooler will love!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Insect Themed Matching Cards // Stay at Home Educator

Bug Catcher Counting & Number Play Dough Mats // Modern Preschool

Build A Bug Busy Box // Teach Me Mommy

Bug Themed Story Stones // Coffee Cups & Crayons

Search & Find Bug Busy Bag // Powerful Mothering

Download the bug catcher play dough mats and practice numbers 1-20!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bug Catcher Counting & Number Play Dough Mats

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
FREE printable bug catcher counting & number play dough mats for preschool and pre-k kids to practice number identification, number words, counting 1-20, 1:1 correspondence, and fine motor skills while creating play dough insects! Perfect for a reusable math center or bug themed busy bag.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home "Catch the Literacy Bug!" - Spring Reading Bulletin Board Idea

This lively bulletin board from the National Federation of the Blind's monthly publication, The Braille Monitor, with its brightly colored butterflies and plethora of insects, is perfect for spring/summer reading programs and seasonal classroom library decorations! While the original board incorporates braille alphabet butterflies, you can choose to keep it the same {adding in a lesson on disability awareness, etc.} or alter the butterflies to display larger letters.

Background: Blue bulletin board paper.

Title: "Catch the Literacy Bug!"

Border: Solid green trimmer or spring themed bullet board border. Along the bottom border, attach a long strip of Velcro.

Decoration: 1) The Tree. From recycled corrugated cardboard cut and shape the pieces into a tree trunk and branches, mounting it to the left side of the bulletin board. From black construction paper, cut a large oval to place in the center of the tree trunk, twisting a long scrap of natural butcher paper to trim the "hole" in the tree. Cut leaves from green felt or construction paper, arranging them at the top of the trunk and on the branches. 2) The Butterflies. Find several butterfly templates online {like these - butterfly template #1, butterfly template #2, butterfly template #3, butterfly template #4, etc.}, using them to trace and cut butterfly cutouts from craft or construction paper in assorted colors - 26 in all. Glue a jumbo craft stick "body" to the center of each butterfly, cutting a black chenille stem in fourths and, after curling the tops, attaching two stem "antennae" to the top of each craft stick. Using craft pom poms or circles cut from textured craft paper, arrange a braille letter onto each butterfly or print the letters of the alphabet onto colorful paper, cut them out, and paste them onto the wings of the butterflies. Attach the butterflies to the board using Velcro dots. 3) The Insects/Critters. Along with the butterfly letters, the original board features smaller butterfly cutouts, egg carton caterpillars, a bird sitting in the tree, and {even though it's not a critter} a butterfly net! You might also consider adding other interesting creatures like chenille stem earthworms, egg carton spiders, pom pom caterpillars, bottle top ladybugs, etc.

What's great about this board, since the letter butterflies are attached with Velcro, it becomes interactive! Students will LOVE arranging the butterflies on the strip at the bottom to create different words!
We thank you for visiting our site and would love to know what you think of it, so be sure to leave us a comment below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
"Catch the Literacy Bug!" - Spring Reading Bulletin Board Idea

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Photo Source: www.nfb.org This lively bulletin board from the National Federation of the Blind's monthly publication, The Braille Monitor, with its brightly colored butterflies and plethora of insects, is perfect for spring/summer reading programs and seasonal classroom library decorations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bugs and Insects Theme Activities in Preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bugs and insects theme unit for preschool, pre-k and kindergarten. Ideas, activities, and printables for math and literacy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Books about insects and spiders (With images) | Insects preschool, Insects theme preschool, Insects theme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 2, 2016 - Check out these fun books about insects and spiders for kids! Kids will learn about ladybugs, flies, grasshoppers, honey bees, and more. A great list to go alongside your insect activities! #insects #booklists #readalouds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Insects Match: Memory Match Game: is a concentration-style educational memory game for kids to  learn … | Insects for kids, Memory games for kids, Insects preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jan 2, 2018 - Insects Match: Memory Match Game: is a concentration-style educational memory game for kids to  learn about different kinds of insects. Kids of all ages and grades can enjoy this insects memory  game along with their parents, grandparents as it's going to activate some areas of their brain  responsible for memory acquisition which therefore can help their memory improve.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
FREE PRINTABLE BUG BOOK | Insects preschool, Science for kids, Insect activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aug 12, 2015 - Help kids keep track of their bug observations with our FREE bug book!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dr. Jean - Insect's Body - Sing and Learn about Bugs with Dr. Jean

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Preschool Learn to Dance: Bugs and Crawly Things

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking for songs about bugs and insects for your preschool class? Music is an excellent tool for helping young children learn important concepts and skills. These songs about butterflies, ladybugs, and other insects can support the themes and skills you're already teaching in your early childhood classroom.

Songs about Bugs and Insects

Good preschool teachers understand the importance of incorporating music and movement into their daily routines. While songs and music are certainly fun, they can also help you introduce new concepts, build background knowledge, and develop vocabulary skills related to particular topics or themes.

You can easily add music and songs to your circle time routine, classroom transitions, or whenever your kids need to refocus and get their wiggles out!

Songs About Bugs for Preschoolers

There are lots of great songs about bugs and insects on YouTube which can be used in your classroom. But searching for and previewing all those songs can be super time-consuming. If you don't have oodles of spare time, then you're in luck because I've already done all the hard work for you! Here are my favorite age-appropriate songs about bugs and insects that will get your kids dancing, singing - and most importantly learning!

You can show these spring songs to your class on a smart TV, or by using an LCD projector and computer screen. If you prefer to use audio only, no problem. Your kids will love singing and dancing along to these fun songs about bugs and insects with or without a screen!

Insect Songs for Preschool

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, by PINKFONG

Butterfly Stages Dance, by Patty Shukla

Ladybug Song, by Maple Leaf Learning

Hungry Caterpillar, by The Learning Station

Hey, Ladybug, by PINKFONG

Beautiful Butterfly, by Jack Hartmann

Here is the Beehive, by Super Simple Songs

Life Cycle of a Butterfly, by Jack Hartmann

Flitter-Flutter Butterflies, by PINKFONG

Butterfly, Butterfly! by Harry Kindergarten

The Ants Go Marching, by Super Simple Songs

Hungry Butterflies, by PINKFONG

The Bees Go Buzzzing, by Super Simple Songs

YouTube no longer allows users to create playlists of children's songs or music. You can pin the image on this page to your music and movement board on Pinterest so you can easily find the songs again when you need them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Songs About Bugs and Insects for Preschool Kids - Pre-K Pages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for songs about bugs and insects for your preschool class? Music is an excellent tool for helping young children learn important concepts and skills. These songs about butterflies, ladybugs, and other insects can support the themes and skills you're already teaching in your early childhood classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
bug activity music and movement. Cute following directions activity for insects theme week :) | Bug activities, Insects preschool

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
May 15, 2014 - bug activity music and movement. Cute following directions activity for insects theme week :)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you have little ones that just love bugs??? My kids do! Well, anything except those pesky spiders... Get the kids to moving with this fun insect gross motor activity! Can they flap like a butterfly? Crawl like a caterpillar? This great indoor movement activity is a wonderful way to work out the wiggles and extra energy that kids seem to bottle up when they are stuck inside.

Materials needed for the Move Like an Insect Gross Motor Activity:
Paper Scissors Tape Wiggly kids!
To prep: Print out the body gross motor dice. Cut out the dice and then fold on the dotted lines to form a cube. Tape the edges to hold the cubes together.

Shiloh is back to cheating with her dice. She loves to turn the dice in her hands and inspect the pictures to decide which side she wants to land facing up. Then she sets it on the floor.

Since these lightweight cubes need a good toss in the air to do some flipping, Shiloh was thrilled to throw her dice up and watch them fall when she wasn't cheating...

She can't read yet, so the pictures were very helpful for her. She loved to point at each picture while she played.

And she really loved doing the movements!

Need more indoor activities to keep the kids busy? Check these out!

Great Day for Up Reading Game from Growing Book by Book

Beginning Sound Movement Game from Mom Inspired Life

Beginning Letter Sounds Tunnel Gross Motor Game from Capri +3

Walkin' In The Jungle Gross Motor and Sequencing for Preschool! from The Preschool Toolbox

Bug Shapes (Bugs Fun Kids Math Games) from Learning 2 Walk

UNO Movement Game for Kids from Still Playing School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Move Like an Insect Gross Motor Activity - Life Over Cs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you have little ones that just love bugs??? My kids do! Well, anything except those pesky spiders... Get the kids to moving with this fun insect gross motor activity! Can they flap like a butterfly? Crawl like a caterpillar?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Take Me Out to the Backyard"
Sung to: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Take me out to the backyard.
Take me out with the bugs.
Locusts and beetles and dragonflies,
If I look hard I may even see slugs.
Let me look, look, look in the bushes
The trees, 'neath rocks and the lawn--
For it's one, five, ten flies I see
And now they're gone!

Bumblebee, bumblebee,
Landing on my toes.
Bumblebee, bumblebee,
Now he's on my nose.
On my arms, on my legs,,
On my elbows.
Bumblebee, oh bumblebee,
He lands and then he goes!
-Jean Warren

Sung to: "Frere Jacques"

Big bugs, small bugs, big bugs, small bugs,
See them crawl on the wall?
Creepy, creepy, crawling, never, never falling.
Bug, bugs, bugs, bugs, bugs, bugs.

(Point to one finger at a time.)
The first little cricket played a violin.
The second little cricket joined right in.
The third little cricket made a crackly song.
The fourth little cricket helped him along.
The fifth little cricket cried, "Crick-crick-cree.
The orchestra is over and it's time for tea?

Sung to: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

Flutter, flutter, butterfly.
Floating in the summer sky.
Floating by for all to see,
Floating by so merrily.
Flutter, flutter, butterfly,
Floating in the summer sky.

Once I saw an ant hill with no ants about. (fingers curled under, concealed)
So I said, "Dear little ants, won't you come out?"
Then, as if the little ants had heard my call,
One, two, three, four, five come out? (as numbers are called, fingers are
extended)
And that was all!

Sung to: "She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain"

Oh, the ants are busy, busy as can be.
Oh, the ants are busy, busy as can be.
See them dig and dig and dig.
Lots of tunnels, oh, so big.
Oh, the ants are busy, busy as can be.

Roly-poly caterpillar (wiggle right pointer finger)
Into a corner crept, (place right pointer finger in left cupped hand)
Spun around himself a blanket (spin around)
Then for a long time slept. (place head on folded hands)
Roly-poly caterpillar (wiggle right pointer finger)
Wakening by and by, ("stretch" right pointer finger)
Found himself with beautiful wings
Changed to a butterfly. (flutter arms like wings)

Sung to: "Three Blind Mice"

Fly, fly, fly
Ladybugs fly
Fly over here
Fly over there
They fly up high and they fly down low.
Around and around and around they go.
They fly fast, and they fly slow.
Oh, ladybugs fly

Five little Ladybugs climbing up a door
One Flew away then there were four
Four Little ladybugs sitting on a tree
One flew away then there were three
Three little ladybugs landed on a shoe
One flew away and then there were two
Two little ladybugs looking for some fun
One flew away and then there was one
One little ladybug sitting in the sun
She flew away and then there were none

Sung to: "When John Comes Marching Home"

The ants came marching two by two, Hurrah! Hurrah!The ants came marching three by three...
(Students walk in pairs of 2 side by side each other in a circle)
The little one stopped to climb a tree.
The ants came marching four by four....
The little one stopped to shut the door....
The ants came marching five by five...
The little one stopped to take a dive....
The ants came marching six by six....
The little one stopped to pick up sticks....
The ants came marching seven by seven....
The little one stopped to go to heaven...
The ants came marching eight by eight...
The little one stopped to shut the gate...
The ants came marching nine by nine...
The little one stopped to scratch his spine...
The ants came marching ten by ten
The little one stopped to say THE END!
The ants came marching two by two
The little one stopped to tie his shoe.
They all go marching down around the town.
Boom, Boom, Boom.
Other Verses:

Sung to: "The Wheels on the Bus"

The firefly at night goes blink blink blink
Blink blink blink blink blink blink
The firefly at night goes blink blink blink
All around the town

The bees in the flowers go buzz buzz buzz....
The ants in the grass go march march march...
The crickets in the leaves go chirp chirp chirp...
The caterpillar in the field goes creep creep creep....

Sung to: "Do Your Ears Hang Low"

Can you wiggle like a worm?
Can you squiggle? Can you squirm?
Can you flutter? Can you fly like a gentle butterfly?
Can you crawl upon the ground
Like a beetle that is round?
Can you move with me?

Can you flip? Can you flop?
Can you give a little hop?
Can you slither like a snake?
Can you give a little shake?
Can you dance like bee
Who is buzzing round a tree?
Can you move with me?

Sung to: "Farmer in the Dell"

A fly is on my toe,
A fly is on my toe,
Hi-ho, just watch me blow.
A fly is on my toe

Other verses: A fly is on my nose ,my head, my ear, my elbow, my knee,
etc..

I'm a little firefly
Look at me!
I'm as happy as I can be.
See my light flicker and shine so bright
Now watch me fly into the night!

A little light is going by,
It is going up to see the sky.
A little light with wings.

I could have never thought of it,
To have a little bug all lit
And made to go on wings.

1, 2, 3 ( hold up fingers)
There is a bug on me! (point to shoulder)
Where did it go? ( brush off)
I don't know ( Shrug Shoulder and look really puzzled)

Sung to: "Yankee Doodle"

Ladybugs are in my yard.
Just look at them devour
Those pesky aphids on the leaves
Of Mother's pretty flowers.
Never hurt a ladybug.
We need them in the garden.
Ladybugs help flowers grow
So we must never hurt them.

Lady bug, lady bug,
How are you today?
Lady bug, lady bug,
Are you going to stay?
Lady bug, lady bug,
Or will you fly away.

Sung to: "The Muffin Man"

Ladybug has 1 black spot,
1 black spot, 1 black spot;
Ladybug has 1 black spot,
Pretty ladybug!

One ant two ants, three ants four.
Our picnic is their grocery store.
Five ants, six ants, seven ants, eight.
They are crawling on my plate!
Eight ants, seven ants,
Stomp around.
Six ants, five ants
On the ground.
Four ants, three ants,
On the run!
Two ants, one ant,
No more fun.

Once I saw an anthill
With no ants about;
So I said, "Dear little ants
Won't you please come out?"
Then as if the little ants
Had heard my call,
One, two, three, four, five came out,
And that was all.

Sung to: "Jingle Bells"

Bumble Bee, bumble bee,
Landing on my nose,
Bumble bee, bumble bee,
Now he's on my toes.

On my arms, on my legs,
On my elbows.
Bumble bee, oh bumble bee
He lands, and then he goes.

6 buzzing bumblebees
Flying around the hive
One buzzes off and that leaves 5.
5 buzzing bumblebees
Flying near my door,
1 buzzes off and that leaves 4
4 buzzing bumblebees
Flying around a tree,
1 busses off and that leaves 3
3 buzzing bumblebees
In the sky so blue
1 buzzes of and that leaves 2
2 buzzing bumblebees
Flying by the sun
1 buzzes off and that leaves 1
1 buzzing bumblebee
Looking for some fun
It buzzes off and that leaves none.

Here is the bee hive (hold fist together)
But where are all the bees (hold up hands)
Hiding very carefully
1,2,3,4,5 (Hold up fingers one at a time)
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (Walk and try to sting someone)
(You can also use both hands and have 10 bees.)

A caterpillar looks so small.
It is hardly there at all.
It munches on green leafy treats,
And it gets bigger as it eats.

It eats and eats, 'til pretty soon,
It wraps up tight in a cocoon.
When it wakes up it blinks its eyes
And says, "I'm now a butterfly!"

Sung to: "Yankee Doodle"

Lady Monarch made a hat
of flowers, leaves and spring things,
Went to town to show it off
But she forgot her earrings.
Lady Monarch cried and wept,
She was very sad,
Then two bees sat on her ears,
So she was very glad.

Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar in the garden creeps
He spins himself a blanket and soon falls fast asleep.
Fuzzy wuzzy caterpillar wakes up by and by
To find he has wings of beauty, changed to a butterfly.

Pretty little butterfly, what do you do all day?
I fly around the flowerpots, nothing' to do but play.
Nothing' to do but play, darling', nothing' to do but play.
So fly butterfly, fly butterfly, don't waste your time away.

Sung to: "I'm A Little Teapot"

I'm a little butterfly
I have wings
I fly around
And see all things.
When I see a flower
That looks great
I call out
To all of my mates.

Sung to: "Skip to My Lou"

I'm a butterfly, come fly with me
I'm a butterfly, come fly with me
I'm a butterfly, come fly with me
Come fly with me, my darling

A butterfly, come drink nectar with me
A butterfly, come drink nectar with me
A butterfly, come drink nectar with me
Drink nectar with me, my darling.

A butterfly, now sleep like me
A butterfly, now sleep like me
A butterfly, now sleep like me
Come sleep like me, my darling.

Sung to: "We're going on a bear hunt"

We're going on a bug hunt!
We're going to catch some big ones.
What a sunny day!
Are you ready? OK!

Oh my! A spider!
A big black spider,
Creeping on the tree. Creep, creep...

Now take the class out on a real BUG HUNT. Keep the bugs only for a day. Then set them free. We call them part- time pets.

Sung to: "Row, row, row, your boat"

Sung to: "Are you sleeping"

Bumble bee, bumble bee
Don't sting me, don't sting me.
Just fly to your home,
And leave me alone.
Don't sting me, don't sting me.

Sung to: "Oh Christmas Tree"

Oh, butterfly, Oh, butterfly
How I love your colors.
Oh, butterfly, Oh, butterfly
How I love your colors.
You fly so high and beautiful,
Your so soft and gentle.
Oh, butterfly, Oh, butterfly,
How I love your colors.

Sung to: "Mary had a little lamb"

"Make New Friends, But Keep the Old"

Keep bugs safe, and let them go.
They belong in nature, yes the great outdoors.

See this pretty Firefly,
Flying in the midnight sky.

See this pretty Firefly,
Flying in the midnight sky.

See this pretty Firefly,
Flying in the midnight sky.

This firefly's light is so bright.

Sung to: "Up on the House Top"

First comes a butterfly and lays an egg,
Out comes the caterpillar with many legs.
Oh, see the caterpillar spin and spin,
A little cocoon (chrysalis) to sleep in.

Oh, oh, oh, look and see
Oh, oh, oh, look and see
Out of the cocoon (chrysalis) my, oh, mym
Out comes a pretty butterfly.

Sung to: "This Old Man" Ladybug, show your spots.
You have red winds and black dots.
We will count those seven dots
On your shiny shell.
Lady, your spots are swell!

Sung to: "A- Hunting we will go"

A-hunting we will go
A -hunting we will go
We'll catch a (insert any insect here)
and put it in a box
(loudly) and then we'll let it go!

Sung to: "Itsy, Bitsy Spider"

The little caterpillar crawled up into a tree,
Spun his cocoon and slept so quietly,
All through the winter he didn't make a sound,
He dreamt of his new life when he'd be flying all around.
While he was sleeping the snow did gently fall,
Winter came and went, then her heard the robin's call,
Come on Mr. Butterfly, out of your cocoon
Spread your wings and fly for me, while I sing my tune.

Addams family"

Refrain:
My tummy is fat (snap, snap)
I like it like that (snap, snap)
I wiggle around
I jiggle around
I wiggle around
My tummy is fat (snap, snap)

I'm a striped caterpillar
I'm such a chubby feller
I love to eat and eat,
Those leaves are such a treat

Back to refrain

Caterpillar Crawled

A caterpillar crawled (extend left arm and crawl right index finger up it like a caterpillar)
To the top of a tree.
"I think I'll take a nap," said he (wiggle right index finger)
So under the leaf he began to creep. (move under left hand)
He spun a cocoon and he fell asleep. (make fist around index finger)
For two long weeks he slept in that cocoon bed,
Till spring came along and said,
"Wake up! Wake up! You sleepy head." (shake arms)
Out of the leaf he did cry. (hook thumbs and spread fingers to make a butterfly)
"Lo, I am a butterfly."

Sung to: "Skip to My Lou"

I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
I'm a caterpillar, wiggle with me,
What'll I be, my darlin'?

A chrysalis, now sleep like me.....
What'll I be, my darlin'?

A butterfly, come fly with me...
Come fly with me my darlin'.

Now all together, lets do all three.
A caterpillar, a chrysalis, a butterfly -- three.
Move your body like this with me.
The life of a butterfly, darlin'.

Sung to: "Do your ears hang low"

Do you like to buzz.
Are you covered all in fuzz?
Do you call a hive a home
In the garden where you roam?
Do you know how to make honey,
Are your stripes a little funny?
Do you like to buzz?

Sung to: "I'm a Little Teapot"

I'm a little wiggle worm, watch me go!
I can wiggle fast, or very very slow
I wiggle all around, then back I go
Down into the ground, to the home I know

On my toe is Freddy flea (Touch toe)
Now he's climbing up on me (climb fingers upward)
Past my tummyThe Fuzzy Caterpillar
Past my nose
On my head where my hair grows (wiggle fingers in hair)

On my head is Freddy flea
Now he's climbing down on me (climb fingers back down body)
Past my tummy
Past my knee
On the floor (Stomp foot!) Take that you flea!

(tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider)
The fuzzy caterpillar
Crawled up upon a leaf.
Spun her little chrysalis,
And then fell fast asleep.
While she was sleeping,
She dreamed that she could fly.
And later when she woke up,
She was a butterfly!
Caterpillar Chant
A caterpillar looks so small
It is hardly there at all.
It munches on green leafy treats,
And it gets bigger as it eats.
It eats and eats, 'til pretty soon,
It wraps up tight in a cocoon.
When it wakes up it blinks its eyes,
And says, "I'm now a butterfly!"

Brown and furry,
Caterpillar in a hurry,
Take your walk
The Caterpillar To the shady leaf or stalk.
May no toad spy you,
May no little birds pass by you;
Spin and die
To live again as a butterfly.

Butterfly, butterfly, flutter around
Butterfly, butterfly, touch the ground.
Butterfly, butterfly, fly so high.
Butterfly, butterfly, land on me!
Butterfly, butterfly, reach the sky.
Buttterfly, butterfly, say Good-bye!
Butterfly, Butterfly Birth of a Butterfly
A mama butterfly lays all her eggs(tune: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear)
Out pops a caterpillar, crawling on its legs.
The caterpillar first is rather thin,
But then it eats until it bursts through its skin.
After growing nice and big, The caterpillar climbs on a leaf or a twig.
It makes a shell where it hangs inside,
The shell then cracks, and the parts divide.
Inside the shell, a change was going on,
The form of the caterpillar now is gone.
When the shell opens, what comes out?
A beautiful butterfly fluttering about!

Little Butterfly
(tune: I'm a Little Teapot)

I'm a little butterfly
I have wings
I fly around,
And see all things,
When I see a flower
That looks great,
I call out
To all of my mates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Take Me Out to the Backyard" Sung to: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Take me out to the backyard. Take me out with the bugs. Locusts and beetles and dragonflies, If I look hard I may even see slugs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Insects and Bugs Songs and Fingerplays

The Insects Outside(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The fireflies at night go blink, blink, blink
Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink
The fireflies at night go blink, blink, blink
Out in the garden.

The bees in the flowers go buzz, buzz, buzz
Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz
The bees in the flowers go buzz, buzz, buzz
Out in the garden.

Other verses:
cricket/fields/chirp
caterpillars/on the leaves/munch
spiders/in the bush/ spin their webs
worms/in the ground/ wiggle and squirm

The Fuzzy Caterpillar(Tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider)
The fuzzy caterpillar
Curled up on a leaf,
Spun her little chrysalis
And then fell fast asleep.
While she was sleeping
She dreamed that she could fly,
And later when she woke up
She was a butterfly!

Butterfly Song(Tune: Up on the Housetop)
First comes a butterfly and lays an egg.
Out comes a caterpillar with many legs.
Oh see the caterpillar spin and spin,
A little chrysalis to sleep in.

Oh, oh ,oh wait and see!
Oh, oh, oh wait and see!
Out of the chrysalis, my oh my,
Out comes a beautiful butterfly!

Speedy Spider Song(Tune: Oh, Susanna)
I was sitting in my room one day
When it came right through the door.
A big spider sped right by me-
Went racing 'cross the floor.

(Chorus)
Oh, that spider! Oh how it scared me so.
But spiders can be good friends. And so I let it go.
I watched it crawl up the wall,
To find a spot just right.
It spun a web so beautiful.
And then went out of sight.

(Repeat chorus)
Now bugs and flies do not scare me,
For I know that it's true-
That a spiderweb is good to have,
Bugs stick to it like glue.
(Repeat chorus)

Lightning Bug(Tune: You are my Sunshine)
I'm like a "lite brite"
I have a night light.
I fly in circles, up in the sky.
Some call me "lightning".
When my light's blinking.
But to my friends, I'm just "firefly."

While others sleep tight,
flash my night light,
fill the dark sky with light so bright.
Look out your window,
You'll see me flashing,
And then I'll turn off and tell you
"good night

Five Busy Bees Fingerplay
Five little busy bees on a day so sunny
Number one said, "I'd like to make some honey"
Number two said, "Tell me, where shall it be?"
Number three said, "In the old honey tree"
Number four said, "Let's gather pollen sweet"
Number five said, "Let's take it on our feet".
Humming their busy little honey bee song.

Five Little Flies Fingerplay
Five little flies buzzing through a hive,
One snuck some honey, and took a deep dive.
Four little flies buzzing through a door,
One slipped and fell, Crash! on the floor.
Three little flies buzzing through the trees,
One bumped the bark and bloodied his knees.
Two little flies buzzing through a shoe,
One held his nose and said, PEE YOO!
One little fly buzzing through a bun,
The swatter goes SPLAT! Now there are none

Insects and Bugs Art Activities

Fingerprint Bugs
Have each child dip their thumb in washable paint and print their thumb print on paper. They can decorate the body by coloring in legs and antennae.

Butterfly Feet
Paint the bottom of children's feet with non-toxic tempera paint. Have the child step onto a piece of paper with their feet and heels together. When dry, they can add antennae with markers or crayons or yarn.

Worm Tracks
Children dip different sizes of yarn through brown paint. Then they drag the wet yarn in various patterns across their paper.

Egg Carton Ants
Cut an egg carton into sections of three. Give each child a 3-piece egg carton. Have them paint and decorate with wiggly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae and legs.

Spider Web Marble Painting
Paint a heavy paper plate with black paint (may need two coats). When dry, place a few drops of white around the plate. Place the marble in the plate and have the child roll the marble around. You can also put a circle piece of black construction paper in a pie pan and do the same thing.

Fly Swatter Painting
Place a long roll of butcher or craft paper on the ground outside. Have children Ppress a fly swatter in paint, gently lift out, and slap against the paper to make prints. Keep swatting until the prints begin to fade, then re-dip and make more prints.

Insects and Bugs Math and Science

Spider Ring Counting
Get spider rings (save these at Halloween time!). Place a pile of spider rings in the center of a table. Children take turn rolling a die and place that amount of spider rings on their fingers. See who can get all ten fingers with spider rings first.

Bug Investigations
Take some jars or Learning Resources Big View Bug Jars with magnifying glasses outside. Let children look for bugs to investigate.

Sensory Table Bugs
Add plastic bugs and insects into your sensory table hidden in the sand with spoons and cups to catch them!

But Sorting and Patterning
Use Bug Counter Manipulatives to sort bugs. Sort by color, sort by type of bug, sort by whether they have wings or not, etc.

Lady Bug Spot Counting
Practice writing the number of spots on each ladybug on our Ladybug Math printable.

Insects and Bugs Motor Skills and Movement

Bug Waltz
Dance like bugs to classical music. Talk with the students about how bugs look when they fly around and land on things.

Bumblebee Dance
Bees dance to communicate. Have the children dance to communicate (either commnicate feelings like happy, sad, excited or communicate an action, like directions to the table for snack).

Insects and Bugs Snacks

Bugs on a Log
celery cut into 4" lengths
peanut butter
raisins
Spread peanut butter in celery and arrange raisins on top. You can substitute cream cheese for peanutbutter

Butterfly Salad (Serves one)
2 Pineapple rings
Cottage cheese
Green olives sliced in 1/2
Food coloring
Celery stick
Slice pineapple rings in 1/2 to use a an outline of the butterfly's wings Use celery stick as the body Place cottage cheese inside of pineapple ring Decorate the cottage cheese with food coloring, you can also add carrot sticks for antennae.

Ladybug
Slice an apple in half lengthwise, and lay with cut side down on a plate. Use raisins as the ladybug's spots, put on with a dot of peanut butter. Attach a grape, as the head of the ladybug, with a toothpick.

Bug Juice
To create a bright green "bug juice", mix lemonade with a blue Kool-aid drink.

More Insect Fun

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Insects and Bugs Songs and Fingerplays The Insects Outside (Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)The fireflies at night go blink, blink, blinkBlink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blinkThe fireflies at night go blink, blink, blinkOut in the garden.The bees in the flowers go buzz, buzz, buzzBuzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzzThe bee