Spring Time Creepy Crawlies
As the temperatures rise and spring blooms, the creepy crawlies also start to come out from hibernation. Though many adults could do without them, children are almost universally fascinated with insects. Spring time is a perfect time to engage your preschooler in some insect inquiry! Introducing them to books about insects coupled with a fun craft is a great start.
You can then take it outside with a scavenger hunt to see how many insects you can find at the park, on a nature walk, or even in your own back yard! Check out some of our favorite insect book/craft pairings below!
Willbee the Bumblebee & Bumblebee Craft
This charming tale of Willbee the Bumblebee provides not only captivating storytelling but also serves as a springboard for a fun buzzing craft. After reading the story, have your child create their bumblebee using colorful yellow and black paper, googly eyes or draw on their own, and pipe cleaners or white paper for the wings. This craft encourages fine motor skills and provides a visual of what they’ve just learned!
Butterfly, Butterfly & Butterfly Craft
The enchanting illustrations in “Butterfly, Butterfly” will enthrall young readers, making them eager to learn more about these graceful insects. After diving into the colorful pages, children can create their own butterflies using coffee filters and markers. This activity introduces concepts like symmetry and transformation, particularly if you discuss the butterfly’s life cycle!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Caterpillar Name Craft
Eric Carle’s classic, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” is a beloved book that seamlessly blends storytelling with lessons about counting, days of the week, and healthy eating. Following the story, children can create a caterpillar using construction paper circles, decorating each circle with the letters in their name. This fun colorful craft not only reinforces individual identity but also enhances literacy skills through letter recognition.
The Grouchy Ladybug & Ladybug Craft
The story of “The Grouchy Ladybug” offers a wonderful way to discuss emotions and problem-solving with your child. After reading the story, invite them to create their own ladybug using red paper and black spots or print a picture of a ladybug on white paper and have them color it in wtih red and black crayons. This craft encourages emotional expression, artistic creativity and fnie motor skills while reinforcing the themes of sharing and friendship found in the book.
Spring Time Fun
We hope that our fun craft projects related to springtime bugs inspires you to have fun at home with your little ones.
Make Up Your Own!
Think about your own child and the fun books related to bugs and springtime that they love. Perhaps the next time you read a book that inspires their love for creepy crawlies, invite them to make a picture or craft representing the insects in the book.
Have fun exploring the outdoors together as it gets warm and the flowers start to bloom here in Lancaster, PA. And we love seeing what your children come up with! So feel free to send along pictures of the crafts you’re doing at home. We can’t wait to continue exploring springtime and all of the fun that comes with it with you and your little ones!
