We’re working on an amazing Bugs & Crawly Things theme this month with Experience Curriculum. The first week of activities focused on Backyard Bugs, including ladybugs, spiders, grasshoppers, ants, and bees. Painting ladybug spots was a fun way to learn about ladybugs!
Ladybugs are a type of beetle. They are also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. Some ladybugs have no spots and others have up to 20 spots. There are about 5,00 different species of ladybugs in the world. In many cultures, ladybugs are considered symbols of good luck.
Backyard Bugs Teacher Guide | Bugs & Crawly Things | Experience Curriculum
Painting Ladybug Spots
We enjoyed this science and nature STEAM Station exploring ladybug spots.
I found a variety of circular items, such as bottle caps that I have been collecting. You can also use containers, lids or cups.
I put these caps with paint on a tray for the children to explore along with some books and ladybug toys. First we talked about what we saw – bugs with red bodies and black spots.
It’s a simple, self explanatory activity that lends itself to exploration and experimentation.
I like make rich, engaging activity table with books to look at, an activity to do and toys that can be handled. It draws children’s attention and makes them want to participate.
Including letters and words like “spots” allows children to focus on relevant literacy, in a way for them to handle letters and play with them.
It’s fun to have each one take a turn and see how different each child approaches their work. Which painting item will they start with? What color of paint do they choose or prefer? What if they get paint on their hands? How long does the child work? Do they experiment with placement or plan their work?
I don’t like to interrupt but you can ask questions before, during or after they work at the center.
Questions to ask
- What has spots?
- Where do you see spots in the room or outside?
- How can you make a big spot? how can you make small spot?
- Can you look for other tools or times in the room that might create a circle or a spot shape?
Ladybug Push Pin Art
This is an activity separate from Experience Preschool, but it was fun to include as it’s theme related. We need new ways to introduce letters from time to time to keep learning fresh and engaging.
They did quite well with this, being safe and using the pin appropriately. Attention spans are quite short for 3 and 4 year olds yet, but they were intrigued!
Counting Spots
This sweet game is a simple counting game. Spin the flower spinner and place that many black chips on the bug.
The game doesn’t always get played as intended. Sometimes it’s a lot of spinning of the spinner so we talk about which number the arrow landed on. Other times it’s no spinning, just placing chips on the spots. That’s okay too!
I usually demonstrate the game for a round of turns and then let them do as they will on their turns. It’s learning either way!
Name Dots
I wrote names on the name tags and using a bingo bottle, they took turns making spots on their letters. Again, attention spans can be short, so each child’s looks a little different or may not be complete. We can still review the letters.
Ladybug Headband
These ladybug headbands are adorable! It’s always fun to see them play while wearing their headbands. Make & Plays from Experience Preschool are just as they sound. We make something and then play with it.
Black stickers make the spots and give an opportunity for little fingers to work on fine motor skills.
I’m sure we could have spent a week on all the fun ideas out there for ladybugs, but we’re moving on to other Backyard Bugs.
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