Insect Unit

This spring we did an Insect Unit.  I'm not sure why I liked this unit so much because I really do NOT like bugs, but I suppose it's because there are so many interesting facts about insects. Nonetheless, if you're looking for some fun bug ideas, I hope these will get you started!

To kick off our bug unit I gave each of the older kids an insect magnifiying glass. They also got an insect puzzle and a book about insects that I also found in the $1 section at Target. (You can find some great seasonal stuff for homeschooling in that section!)

Personally, I just chose a couple insects that I thought would be fun to study and I did individual unit studies about them and that made up our whole insect unit.

I don't know if you've seen The Ladybug Game before, but it is very fun and great for non-readers too. My kids love playing this game and this is one I actually enjoy playing with them! :) Another favorite game to play is The Very Hungry Caterpillar Card Game. This game reinforces the days of the week and is a great companion to Eric Carle's book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. (Please note that in his book he refers to the butterfly's cocoon, but it is actually a chrysalis.) We also have The Very Hungry Caterpillar puzzle as well.

I decided to make my own insect counting cards similiar to the paper clip counting cards I mentioned here. You can dowload them here, here and here. I cut them apart and laminated them. These are great to have your child practice counting by adding the appropriate mini clothespins or paperclips to the card. These are way more fun looking and will tie in nicely with your insect unit.

Another idea is to check your local library for theme kits. These are great because they already have books, puzzles, music, theme-related videos or games that are compiled in a bag. If they don't have these, there are of course tons of books that you can check out on whatever insects you and your child want to learn about.

It's was also fun for my son to get his bug hunting gear on and go catch bugs with his bug jars and magnifying glasses. We even found a little bug vacuum "gun" at a garage sale that gently sucks the bug in. Then there's a magnifying glass in it for him to check the insect out further.

Our local zoo has a butterfly house and it was perfect to have my children see the various butterfly species as well as their corresponding chrysalises.

I hope these ideas are helpful in getting you you started on your bug unit. Have fun! :)