Insect Activities for Kids

July 30, 2020
Written by:
Jamie Gaddy
Elementary Homeschool, Homeschool Science, Homeschooling Freebies

Let’s face it: many kids just plain LOVE bugs! Whether they’re lightning bugs, furry caterpillars, banana slugs, or potato bugs, they love them! As homeschoolers, we’re always looking to capitalize on our children’s interests. We like turning their interests into our next unit study. So, how can you take this innate interest that almost all kids have and turn it into a fun science lesson?

Bug Activities for Kids

When you use children’s interests as a springboard for the lessons you deliver, you have an easier time holding their Do you have kids who love creepy crawlies?attention. Use this to your advantage as you embark upon some of the following bug activities:

  • Color sorting – Cut out six butterflies from white cardstock. When finished, write a different color word on each butterfly. First, have your little one color each butterfly in the color written on the front. Then, provide your child with various colorful objects such as buttons, tissue paper squares, and pony beads. Finally, let your child glue the items to each butterfly.
  • Colorful Caterpillar – This activity works best with egg cartons made from cardboard. Simply cut down the center of the side of the carton with bumps (for the body) and give kids paints, markers, and/or crayons to decorate their caterpillar. When finished, you can help them glue on googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae.
  • Homemade ant farm – Ants can be an incredibly interesting bug to watch and follow. Your kids can make a homemade ant farm and watch as the ants enjoy their new home!
  • Bug Hunt Sensory Bin – Sensory bins are perfect for preschool-aged children. To make this one, you’ll need small, dry beans (navy beans work well) and plastic bugs. Pour the beans into a shallow plastic pan and drop the bugs on top. Then, work the bugs into the beans so your little ones have to hunt to find them!
  • Playdough spider – On a piece of paper, draw a large spider web that takes up most of the paper. From there, give your little ones some playdough for making a spider. Then, watch as your little one delights in bringing the spider to its new home on the paper.

Whether your kids were born bug lovers or have come to learn to like them, they’ll probably enjoy bug activities. Feel free to use a couple of ideas or turn it into a full-blown unit study. Whatever you decide, keep the fun in your homeschool with these creepy crawly activities!

 

More Fun for Kids and Family!

 

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Jamie Gaddy

Jamie Gaddy, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D. has been a college education professor for over 17 years. Education has been a part of her life in both the classroom and as a principal. Six children later found her dissatisfied with traditional school and homeschool became the better fit. She is also a pastor’s wife, editor, and entrepreneur who now homeschools four of her six children in Georgia. Jamie loves to share about her homeschool experience to help other homeschoolers find success. Connect with her at [email protected].