Materials
large ball of brightly colored yarn
Instructions
* Display the collection of bugs near one end of the balance beam.
* If you don't have a balance beam, create one by adhering two six-foot strips
of masking tape side by side down the length of the floor.
What to Do
1. Instruct a child to select one bug, describe it and say its name, and then
balance it on the balance beam. Instruct a second child to do the same.
2. Have the children continue to take turns until all the insects are displayed
along the balance beam.
3. Have the children remove the insects then choose their favorite.
4. Invite the children to take turns walking down the length of the balance beam
as they carry their favorite bugs along.
S o n G
* Have the children carry a beanbag bug as they walk across the balance beam
singing the following song. When they reach the opposite end of the balance
beam they can make their bug fly, crawl, jump, or run away.
I'm Walking with My Bug by Mary J. Murray
(Tune: "Baby bumblebee")
I'm walking with my bug on the balance beam.
Come along I'll show you what I mean.
I'm walking with my bug on the balance beam.
Whee! the bug flies [hops, crawls, runs] away.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* How well are the children able to balance on the beam?
* Are the children able to wait and take turns?
