Are your kids into bugs? We have some great ways to investigate bugs in your home or classroom.
Our class really seems to be fascinated with bugs of all kinds and with it being Springtime, we thought it would be the perfect time to expand on their interests with a bug investigation!
Begin with a book
We began by reading The Grouchy Ladybug by famous children’s author, Eric Carle. Books are a wonderful way to introduce bugs to kids and this book is always a big hit! We discussed the characteristics of ladybugs and used the book as inspiration for creating our very own ladybug books.
How to make ladybug books
After reading the story together, we invited the children to make their own ladybug books. To set up the experience you will need red construction or cardstock paper and an assortment of washable markers to create with. This activity is a great literacy extension activity as children make connections to the story and build on what they read.
Explore outdoors
After making our ladybug books, we began thinking about places we might find bugs and different kinds of insects we might find in our own backyard. Then, we continued the fun with bugs outdoors! We took our investigative tools and bug catchers and began searching for bugs outside. We looked up, down, and all-around around as we searched around the bases of bushes and trees, turned over logs, explored under rocks, and investigated in piles of dry leaves. The children especially loved digging in the ground. These kids are experts at finding worms!
Benefits of bug hunts in preschool
Bug hunts are a wonderful way to explore science concepts outdoors and help children better understand the world around them. Children can make observations and record details of their findings in a nature journal. They learn about techniques and tools needed for catching bugs and have the opportunity to learn about bug habitats as they explore a variety of places that bugs might live outdoors. They can also learn about the different characteristics of insects. Bug hunts help children learn the importance of being kind to mother nature. After catching their bugs they released their bugs back into their home. With Spring upon us, it is the perfect time to explore the outdoors with your bug enthusiasts!
You can find more ideas for bugs here!