Materials
small containers
samples of items with strong smells (vinegar, peanut butter, grated chocolate, lemon juice, peppermint,
strong cheese, and so on)
wax paper
rubber bands
Instructions
p r E pA r At i o n
* Use a hole punch to punch holes around the edges of the paper plates.
What to Do
1. Read the children books about spiders (see list below for suggestions).
2. Engage the children in a discussion about spiders. Talk with the children about
spider webs, specifically explaining that spiders weave webs to serve as shelter
and a way to get food.
3. Tell the children they will be making spider-web letters. Note: Consider
making one ahead of time so they have an example from which to work.
4. Give each child a paper plate. Help the children thread yarn through the holes
around the edges and across the plate, making a spider web.
5. Provide glitter and glue and help the children make different individual letters
at the centers of their spider-web plates.
6. Invite the children to put their spider rings on their fingers and trace the letters
on their webs.
7. Have the children trade webs with another child and practice tracing the
letters the other children put in their webs.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children describe what spiders use their webs for?
* How well can the children trace the letters?
