Materials
5 pictures depicting the stages in development of
a ladybug from egg to adult
tagboard
glue stick
child-safe scissors
computer or marker
laminator (optional)
binding machine and plastic spine (optional)
Instructions
* Stuff one beanbag insect inside each jar.
* Attach each lid and screw it on tightly.
* Display the jars in a basket in the classroom.
What to Do
1. Ask one child to select a jar.
2. Have the child unscrew the lid and remove the insect.
3. Invite the child to name the insect and describe its color, size, shape, and so on.
4. Have the child select another jar and repeat the activity until all the jars have
been opened and each insect is displayed near its own jar.
5. Tell the child to place each insect back in its jar and attach the lid tightly so the
activity is ready for the next child.
S o n G
What's Inside this Jar? by Mary J. Murray
(Tune: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, I Caught a Fish Alive")
What's inside this jar? Oh, what kind of insect
I wonder what I'll see? Is waiting there for me?
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Display the six jars in front of the class. Invite six children to come forward and
ask each to choose a jar to open. Observe the child's small motor skills as he
opens the jar and removes the insect. Listen as each child tells about the insect
in his jar.
* Fill a shoebox with an assortment of beanbag insects or paper insects. Invite a
child to remove each insect one at a time. Encourage the child to tell about
the type of insect, where it might live, what it eats, and so on.
