Everything you need for a fun filled mini-beast learning unit.
This is one of my favourite themes to teach. There are so many amazing lessons that you can do with this theme and it is perfect for encouraging children to get out in nature and developing their curiosity about the natural world around them. Searching for bugs in the garden should form part of every childhood and learning about the incredible roles that insects play in our ecosystems helps them to understand our need to protect all creatures, no matter how small.
Below I have listed a few resources that I have gathered over my teaching years - From book suggestions to videos & a Pinterest board full of fun activities to try too.
I hope you will find it useful & hopefully it saves you a bit of time on your prep work.
Possible topics to cover during your bug themed unit ...
Classification of insects & spiders (body parts, etc)
Lifecycles & metamorphasis
Homes & habitats
Roles in nature
Pollination
Conservation
Cool sites for interesting bug facts ...
Books
Videos
Videos are always a great way to capture your learners attention and I find them to be very effective in teaching concepts by including animation, movement and songs into lessons. Here are a few of my top creepy crawly videos ... You can find some more by clicking on the 'Youtube Playlist' link at the end of this list.
How a caterpillar becomes a butterfly
Pollination
How are ants so strong?
Why don't spiders stick to their webs?
Butterfly, Ladybug, Bumblebee
Austin's Butterfly
Check out our Creepy Crawlies Youtube Playlist for more themed videos.
Resources & Activities
Check out our Creepy Crawlies Pinterest Board for themed lessons & activities.
Arts & crafts
Sensory play
Fine motor activities
Movement fun
Science table ideas
Shopping
Nature play accessories by Cabin
Butterfly life cycle eco cutters by Nestling kids collection
Bug box by Envirokid
Themed sensory boxes by Dough Ray Me
Messy play boxes by The Messy Hub
Bug themed printables by Steph Hathaway designs
Bee Hotel from Faithful to Nature
* Affiliate Disclaimer - This page contains some affiliate links (Faithful to Nature & Loot), should you choose to purchase something when clicking on one of my links, I may receive a small amount of commission from the affiliated companies, at no additional cost to you.
These links help me to pay for my website.