Watch Your Step!

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The world of insects is so exciting to kindergarteners. In this unit, students will create insects of their own and use them for dramatic play. They will learn about metamorphosis and make a representation of a butterfly's life cycle. Students will also observe and record the life cycle of one or more insects.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Examine the physical characteristics of insects and spiders
2. Understand the various ways in which insects move: jump, fly, crawl, or swim.
3. Observe and record the metamorphosis of one or more insects
4. Contrast the larva and adult insect
5. Sequence the life cycle of an insect.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Inventing Insects
Lesson 2: Cycles of Life

REPRODUCIBLES
Student Recording Sheets (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Students write or dictate poems about the insects they created and then perform them for their parents at our annual Bug Bash. Prior to this event, students make the following “insect” delicacies that will be served.

Bug Bash Menu:

Ants on a Log: peanut butter on celery with raisins
Ladybug Cupcakes: bright red-frosted cupcakes with five chocolate chips for spots and six stick pretzels for legs
Nectar Juice: fruit juice sipped through a straw poked through the center of a paper cut-out flower

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching About Bugs, Insects, and Spiders

Let's Travel to Mexico!
Kids learn hands on about Mexican culture, crafts, and cuisine in this lesson unit. They even learn to match Spanish words with pictures.

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LESSON PLAN	Inventing Insects Presents a crafty lesson plan for teaching students the physical characteristics and movement of insects. Students make their own insects using...
BOOK INFORMATION	Willie's Wonderful Pet Shrieks and giggles abound when Willie brings a worm to school on pet day.