Buggy about Spring!

Here in the Amazing Ants classroom, we have gone absolutely buggy - in more ways than one! Over the past few weeks, students have begun to notice lots of little critters popping up outside. We have seen June bugs (lots and LOTS of June bugs), rolly pollies, butterflies, and of course ants! Seeing all of these not so creepy crawlers roaming around outside has really peeked my students interest, so while talking about life cycles this month, I have put an special focus on investigating "bugs."

Here are some of the bug themed workstations my students are using this month:

Matching objects to the letter line by begining sound: 

Finding the 2 words that make up the compound word on the firefly:

Matching the spider web to the correct spider by counting syllables:

Spelling out the CVC words on the caterpillars:

and matching the 2 sides of the butterfly using alliteration to name a few :) 

And now for my favorite bug themed portion of the classroom: Dramatic Play! For the month of April I have turned dramatic play into an Entomologist Laboratory. The kids LOVE it! Here is a little tour of our lab:

 

I don't think the kids really get the "Don't Bug Me" sign, but it makes me smile every time I see it :)

On this side of the lab, students can read the "Color Bugs" book, try and guess where these patterns in nature are found, and take a closer look at some real bugs as well as a chrysalis from one of our old classroom butterflies that we released a couple of weeks ago.

  I filled the area with real pictures and diagrams of different bugs and insects for students to view:

  

 In this area, students are able to take a closer look at different insect parts using a microscope and slides as well as practice the life cycle of a butterfly in a variety of ways:

  

 

  

  

  

 

I hope you enjoyed the tour :) I hope to post a few more of our buggy ideas as we continue of unit of study throughout the month!