Grade: Pre-School
Subject: Science
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A great idea I got from a resource book entitled "Bugs" (I think!): 3 kids form insect body parts by lining up single file and putting hands on shoulders of child in front of them---instant 3 body parts and 6 legs!!!! (I had first child in each group use index fingers as antennae.) We sang a little insect body part song------to the tune of 'For he's a jolly good fellow': My head is starting to wiggle, my head is starting to wiggle, my head is starting to wiggle-----------around and around and around. (Repeat, substituting thorax and abdomen.) Last verse: "My 6 legs are starting to wiggle; my 6 legs are starting to wiggle; my 6 legs are starting to wiggle---------around and around and around.' Then the kids change places and get to be a DIFFERENT body part.
Another idea is a progressive 'My Insect' book idea I got from a kindergarten list serv. You type out complete, repetitive sentences on the bottom of half-page booklet for each child, and the child draws on each page only what is specified. 1st page: An insect has 3 body parts. 2nd page:...An insect has 3 body parts. An insect has 6 legs. 3rd page:.......3 body parts, 6 legs, 2 antennae. 4th page:.....3 body parts, 6 legs, 2 antennae. Some insects have wings. 5th page: 3 body parts, 6 legs, 2 antennae, Some insects have wings. This is my insect. (This is a great activity for those who can maybe recognize numerals, but who may not yet be reading words -----they know how many of each thing insects have after singing the song and other activities.)
Use number word cards instead of dice for the kids to play the game "Cootie"---I always make a 'key' for them------trace body part next to number word required to get it---- for non-readers.
Make fingerprint insects-----------kids make 3 fingerprints, then draw on details like antennae, legs, and wings. (Have different colored stamp pads out for some REALLY interesting creations!!!!)