Are you looking for fun, easy ideas to do with your preschooler this spring in Lancaster, PA? We have some great springtime “creepy crawly” crafts that our students absolutely love at Lancaster Early Education Center (LEEC)!
We believe that learning is best achieved through hands-on engagement. Reworking a favorite story into a creative project is the perfect way to make learning come alive.
Springtime “Creepy Crawlies” & Nature Exploration
As the temperatures rise and spring blooms, the creepy crawlies also start to come out from hibernation. Though many adults could do without them, almost all children are fascinated with insects. Spring time is a perfect time to engage your preschooler in some insect exploration! 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!
Supplies Needed for Willbee the Bumblebee:
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Yellow and black construction paper
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Googly eyes (or markers to draw them)
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White paper (for wings)
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Optional: Pipe cleaners (for antennae)
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!
Supplies Needed:
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Coffee filters
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Markers (washable markers work best for bleeding)
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Small amount of water (a spray bottle is ideal)
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Clothespins, pipe cleaners or cut construction paper (for the body)
How to Make It:
Children can decorate their coffee filters with markers. Once they spray the filter with water, the colors will beautifully merge.
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.
Supplies Needed:
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Green construction paper circles (as many as there are letters in your child’s name)
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Red construction paper circle (for the head)
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Markers/crayons
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 fine motor skills while reinforcing the themes of sharing and friendship found in the book.
Supplies Needed:
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Red paper (cut into a circle or body shape)
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Black paper (cut into smaller circles/spots)
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Markers or crayons
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Optional: Printout of a ladybug outline to color
Get Creative and Share Your Spring Crafts!
We hope that our fun craft projects related to springtime bugs inspire you to have fun at home with your little ones.
Make Up Your Own Pairing!
Think about your own child and the fun books related to bugs and springtime that they love. 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.
Share with LEEC!
Have fun exploring the outdoors together here in Lancaster, PA, as the flowers bloom and bugs come out! At LEEC, we love seeing what our families create at home.
Feel free to tag us in photos of the crafts you are doing at home on social media so we can continue celebrating springtime and exploring all of the fun that comes with it!
Interested in learning more about the hands-on learning experiences we provide at LEEC? Learn About Our Programs or Contact us to Schedule a Tour
