Insect Activities and Nonfiction Texts for Primary Students

April 13, 2016

Happy Spring, everybody!!! The weather is warming up, the sun is starting to shine brighter, and I don't know about you, but I am EXCITED for the beautiful weather that is about to come. Hopefully, you will be taking your class for some outside learning very soon. Are you going to be doing any insect activities for your primary students? Insect Activities and Non-Fiction Texts for Primary Students We always dove into our insect unit in the spring. And if you are like me, you know your students LOVE nonfiction! So, to make your life easier, I put together a list of insect books and activity ideas for you to use with your class!

Be sure to stick around until the end of this post, because I have something VERY special for you and your students!

1. Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton: This is a great alphabet book with beautiful color photographs of many different types of bugs. I definitely like all the fun facts and text features.

2. Smithsonian Handbooks: Insects by George C. McGavin: This is a beautiful handbook that includes many different types of bugs for your students who take a real interest in insects.

Smithsonian Handbooks: Insects

3. The Best Book of Bugs by Claire Llewellyn: This book covers life cycles, habitats, and the diversity of insects and spiders with many close-up illustrations. My kids always get excited when I put this book out for our insect unit.

4. Insects by Robin Bernard: If your kids are into close-ups and fabulous macro photography showing the detail of different insects, you will definitely want to check out this book.

5. The Big Book of Bugs: This book literally has my students on edge! It will take you into the life of an insect, and it almost feels as if you are a part of their world.

6. The Ultimate Bugopedia by Darlene Murawski: This book is great for my non-fiction aficionados in my classroom, especially those interested in a bug theme. Packed with facts, photographs, and text features, this “Bug-Opedia” will not disappoint.

7. Simon & Schuster Children's Guide to Insects and Spiders by Jinny Johnson: Another classic packed with facts and beautiful illustrations.

8. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs Catherine D. Hughes: This book is great for little learners! It includes eight beautifully organized chapters to explore different types of bugs!

Now that you have all my favorite insect books in one organized list, lets talk insect activities. But first, I have three questions for you.

Do your kids LOVE reading non-fiction?

Do you need more non-fiction text for your students?

Do you wish more printables had REAL photographs instead of inaccurate clipart?

If you answered yes to all those questions, I have an insect unit with engaging bug activities the you are going to love!

Ants: A FREE Mini-Book and Comprehension Printables

I have created non-fiction texts and comprehension printables for nine different insects! Now, you can put real facts and photographs into the hands of your students. Cutesy clipart is overrated!!! Let's teach our students the REAL deal!

Here is what's inside.

You are going to get nine close reads and printables with full color photographs and accurate clipart featuring ladybugs and butterflies that would be perfect for our insect theme.

Close Reads and Printables for Nine Types of Insects

Insects Included:

Not ready to commit just yet? That's okay! I want to give you my Ants Printables for FREE just so you can see the quality that was put into these mini books and comprehension activities!

If you are on a mobile device, be sure you pin this image for later so you know where to find these printable resources for your insect theme activities!

Insects: Nine Close Reads and Printables

Insect Activities and Non-Fiction Texts for Primary Students

Thank you for reading! If you liked this post, be sure to share or pin it for your teacher colleagues! If you want to stay updated, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Teachers Pay Teachers to keep up with the latest freebies, tips, and ideas. See you soon! -Emily

Engaging Insect Activities for Preschoolers

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to explore the fascinating world of ladybugs, bees and other insects with your preschoolers. From butterflies to ladybugs, there are countless opportunities for hands-on learning through engaging insect activities. Below are some exciting ideas that incorporate both literacy and sensory experiences to enrich your preschool classroom.

Fun Bug Activities for Preschoolers

Bug Science Exploration

Take your students on a bug hunt in your schoolyard. Provide them with magnifying glasses to observe plastic insects and their habitats. This outdoor activity sparks curiosity and promotes scientific exploration.

Build a Bug

Encourage creativity with a “build a bug” craft. Use construction paper, pom poms, and play dough to let your preschoolers design their favorite insects. This activity enhances their fine motor skills while they cut, glue, and shape their creations.

Sensory Bin Adventures

Create a simple sensory bin filled with rice, sand, and plastic insects. Include items like caterpillars and ladybugs to stimulate sensory exploration. This is a fun way for toddlers to engage their senses while learning about different bugs and insects.

Literacy and Math Activities for Kids

Insect-Themed Literacy Activities for kids

Incorporate books about insects during storytime. Consider reading:

Simon & Schuster Children’s Guide to Insects and Spiders
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs
The Ultimate Bugopedia

These books offer fascinating facts and illustrations that will captivate your students. After reading, have them create a name craft where they design a bug using their initials.

Insect Math

Engage students with insect math by using counting games. They can count and clip paper bugs or match letter and number cards featuring insects. This activity helps preschoolers practice counting while having fun.

Dramatic Play and Movement Activities

Dramatic Play Center

Set up a dramatic play center where kids can pretend to be different insects. Use costumes and props inspired by The Big Book of Bugs or Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton to fuel their imagination. This promotes role-playing and social skills.

Movement Activities

Incorporate movement activities can include fun bugs preschool activities to engage young learners, where students mimic the movements of various bugs. For example, they can crawl like a caterpillar or buzz like a bumblebee. This combines physical activity with learning about bugs and their behaviors.

Themed Centers and Printables

Themed Centers

Create themed centers focusing on different aspects of insects. For example, have an insect art center where preschoolers can use play dough to create their favorite bugs or an insect fine motor center with threading and sorting activities.