Down in the Hollow
Aileen Fisher
Down in the hollow,
Not so far away,
I saw a little ladybug
When I went to play,
Swinging on the clover
Up in the air . . .
I wonder if the ladybug
Knew I was there.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Down in the Hollow
The Cricket
The Cricket
Marjorie Barrows
And when the rain had gone away
And it was shining everywhere,
I ran out on the walk to play
And found a little bug was there.
And he was running just as fast
As any little bug could run,
Until he stopped for breath at last,
All black and shiny in the sun.
And then he chirped a song to me
And gave his wings a little tug,
And that's the way he showed that he
Was very glad to be a bug!
Thursday, August 18, 2022
20 Facts About The Caterpillar/Butterfly
Stages of the caterpillar and butterfly. |
- The lovely, winged creature is the fourth and last step in the development of the insect, and the caterpillar is the second, for it is the larva, or worm, that hatches from the egg.
- A study of the origin of the word caterpillar shows that it means, literally, hairy cat.
- Everyone is familiar with the woolly kinds, and the name, so far as they are concerned, is not inappropriate.
- There are, however, hairless kinds, the skin of which is often beautifully marked lengthwise or crosswise, or covered with rings and eye-spots.
- When the tiny caterpillar first emerges from the egg it proceeds to eat, for this is to be its chief duty during the larva stage.
- The eggs are always deposited where plant food can easily be reached.
- Before very long the skin of the worm becomes too tight, for it does not increase as the body grows larger.
- Accordingly the caterpillar soon crawls out through a split which occurs near the front end; that is, it molts (see Molting).
- This process is repeated four or five times, and in each case a new skin has formed under the old one.
- The body of a full-grown worm is usually divided into twelve rings or segments, and each of the first three rings bears a pair of five-jointed legs.
- There are also short leg- stumps on the abdomen, which disappear when the last molting takes place.
- On each side of the head there are six eye-spots; the head also bears a pair of short, three-jointed feelers, besides jaws and other mouth organs.
- Glands, some with unpleasantly odorous or stinging secretions, frequently occur on the skin.
- There comes a time when the caterpillar ceases to eat and begins to prepare for the so-called pupal, or resting, stage.
- The caterpillar stage lasts two or three months in temperate regions, but it may be of two or three years' duration in Arctic lands.
- The quantity of food eaten is used to nourish the pupa.
- Moth caterpillars spin a casing of silk about them, and form cocoons, while the pupal stage of butterflies is passed in a hard skin covering.
- Butterfly pupae are called chrysalids.
- When the pupa reaches maturity the outside casing splits open, and the butterfly comes out, rather crumpled and weak at first, but soon ready to spread its wings for a happy life in the sunshine.
- The same processes of development occur in the life history of moths.
- "He Is Risen Indeed!" Butterfly Coloring Page
- Create a Butterfly Yarn Picture
- A butterfly maze puzzle by kathy grimm...
- Craft a Butterfly Mask
- Life Again! and The Cocoon
- The Butterfly Poem
- A Living Butterfly paper craft
- Handy Little Butterflies
- Craft a Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Craft a Pom-pom Caterpillar SWAPS
Monday, August 15, 2022
The Lady-Bug Rebus
Lady-Bug
by Gertrude A. Strickler
Long long ago a lady-bug washed out her children's clothes. "But where to hang them up to dry," said she "O goodness knows!" It happened that a spider's home was in the grass close by, and on the spider's silken line, she hung them up to dry. Then Granny spider laughed "Ho! ho! those lady-bug's clothes are mine because they're in my web" and then she took them off the line. A measuring worm was looking 'round as on a leaf he stood. He saw it all and called for help, as loudly as he could. Then to the rescue cam a wasp, and tho he had to tug, he took the clothes from Granny's grasp and back to Mrs. bug. The clothes were torn but Lady-bug patched up the holes with black. And since that day each lady-bug wears holes upon her back...
Friday, May 7, 2021
Bee
6 Important Facts About The Honeybee:
- The honeybee has always been regarded as the most intelligent of insects, and it has been partially domesticated from the earliest times.
- Honeybees live in large colonies or societies, numbering from 10,000 to 60,000 individuals.
- In bee culture such a colony is known as a swarm.
- In every swarm there are three kinds of bees: the queen, which is the female bee that lays the eggs from which the colony is born; the males or drones, so called because of the low humming sound which they make, and the workers, which are by far the largest number.
- There is only one queen to a swarm.
- The males may number several hundred, but at a certain season every year most of these are stung to death by the workers, who with the queen are provided with stings.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Dragonfly:
- Beneficials In The Garden: Dragonflies
- Dragonflies: Dainty But Deadly
- Introduction to the Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Grasshopper Green
Grasshopper Green is a comical chap;
He lives on the best of fare.
Bright little trousers, jacket and cap,
These are his summer wear.
Out in the meadow he loves to go,
Playing away in the sun;
lts hopperty, skipperty, high and low -
Summer's the time for fun.
Grasshopper Green has a dozen wee boys,
And soon as their legs grow strong
Each of them joins in his frolicsome joys,
Singing his merry song.
Under the hedge in a happy row
Soon as the day has begun
lts hopperty, skipperty, high and low -
Summer;s the time for fun.
Grasshopper Green has a quaint little house.
It's under the hedge to stay.
Grandmother Spider, as still as a mouse,
Watches him over the way.
Gladly he's calling the children, I know,
Out in the beautiful sun;
It's hopperty, skipperty, high and low -
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
S.T.E.A.M. Basic Insect Hotels
Monday, July 30, 2018
10 Must Have Insect Books for Your Classroom
Friday, May 4, 2018
The Butterfly
Friday, March 2, 2018
Animal Intelligence
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Caterpillar Finger Plays
Sheet music to accompany the finger play. |
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Valentine Cuties Clip Art
Valentine flowers |
Valentine lady bugs |
Valentines and ribbons |
Valentines in a vase |
Heart and stems for a Valentine |
Sunday, May 14, 2017
The Caterpillar
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Don't Belittle Little Things
Picture includes a puppy, bee, garden, flowers, cloudy day etc... |
Monday, April 24, 2017
Mrs Bee Explains
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
"Bee Mine" Valentines
Two happy little bumble bee valentines. |
- Print and cut out the patterns that I have drawn up below.
- Trace around the elements using a soft lead pencil and yellow construction paper for the bodies of the bees.
- Then cut their wings from white paper or transparent wax paper. I outlined my wings to make them stand out for the photos; but these would be just as cute cut from waxy transparent paper.
- Color in the stripes black and add facial features.
- Antenna can be cut from the chenille stems and pom poms can be glued to the ends. I also added small yellow pom poms for hands to my first bumble bee sample. Encourage your students to add their own ideas to their bumble bee cards.
- Write a traditional bee message somewhere on your Valentine. Something like:
This cheerful little bug can't wait to surprise some lucky little Valentine. |
This honey bee pattern includes bumble bee parts for two Valentines. You will need to cut one of each before tracing them on to bright yellow and white construction paper. |
More Bumble Bee Themed Valentines, Cards and Crafts:
- "Bee Mine" by Lynn Put
- Bumble Bee Tilda
- Bee Well!
- Birthday Bumble Bee
- Bumble Bee-Bugs N' Hugs Card
- footprint bee
- bumblebee.org
- The Moon At Tea-Time
- The Xerces Society
- The Behavior of Bees - lesson plans
- Chart: Differences Between Bees and Wasps
"Bee" My Valentine Honey! card |
"Bee" My Honey Valentine |
"Honey, Bee Mine! card |
To My Valentine, I think that you're a honey and I hope that you'll Bee Mine!" Valentine |
"Love Bug" Valentines
Four detailed photos of my little Ladybug Love Bug Valentine up close. |
- a variety of bright red scrap papers
- black construction paper
- red construction paper (alternative to wrapping paper)
- google eyes
- black ribbon
- a heart shaped punch
- white glue
- scissors
- pattern
- Print and cut out my simple love bug pattern below.
- Trace around the body pattern and then cut out as many of these as would like, using black construction paper.
- For the wings, I used red wrapping paper scraps. Teachers may prefer to use red construction paper because the surface is easier to write upon.
- You will need to cut two 'half heart' shaped wings for each love bug. One of these is pasted completely down to the body; the second is only pasted along the inside bottom edge of the wing so that a secret 'buggy' message or a small piece of candy may be neatly tucked inside. (see example above)
- Glue on black hearts for the love bug spots; these may be punched or cut out by hand.
- Glue on googly eyes, heart shaped cheeks, and a black bow for the finished looking love bug.
Three detailed photos of my Love Bug Candy Pouch. The red doily heart may be purchased from a local craft or grocery store. |
- store bought, red doily hearts
- black chenille stems
- tiny red pom poms
- black ink marker
- heart hole punch (optional)
- pink and black construction paper
- scissors
- white glue
- shredded, shiny Easter grass
- masking tape
- You will need to trace around the red doily on to the pink construction paper with a soft lead pencil. Then cut this shape out and paste it to the back side of the red lacy valentine.
- Repeat the same step with the black construction paper only include a half circular shape at the top of the heart in order to suggest a 'head.' (see example of cut bug parts below)
- Glue around the back side of the bug's red doily wings up to the top of the heart shape only. Remember to leave the top part of the heart shapes free from glue so that a pouch for candy may be left open!
- Punch or cut tiny hearts from both the black and pink papers. You will only need two tiny heart shapes from the pink, as these will be used for your critter's little buggy eyes. The black hearts may be pasted randomly over the lady bug's red doily wings to mimic the spots on a real ladybug.
- Write the word "Love Bug" on the pink paper and paste this to the center of the pouch's wings.
- Now paste on the love bug's pink, heart shaped eyes and add the iris with a black pen. (see photo example above)
- Cut two short antennas from the black chenille stem and glue on a tiny red pom pom to each end. Set this aside to dry.
- After the antenna have dried, tape these to the back of your love bug's head and then glue a second circular shape cut from black construction paper to paste on top of the taped antenna. this will cover the chenille stems and strengthen the lady bug's head.
- Stuff these lady bug pouches with shiny, red Easter grass and Valentine candy treats. Your students will love to make and take this little ladybugs home to either decorate with or give as a gift to a beloved family member.
- black construction paper
- hole punch
- red doily
- small, sharp scissors
- red ribbon
- white glue
- red, shiny Easter grass
- red cellophane or tissue
- stapler (optional)
- Select a soft led pencil or a white drawing pencil to draw around the red doily, transferring a replica copy of the heart's size and lacy edge to a black piece of construction paper.
- Cut this black heart out and set it aside for assembly.
- Using sharp, small scissors, snip from the doily the parts of the embossed design that you do not want to include in your finished pouch design. I chose to emphasize the floral patterns.
- Snip out the smaller, center heart to create a 'window' for the heart pouch as well.
- Gently apply glue with the tip of your finger onto the back side of the red lace doily and then paste it on top of the black construction paper heart.
- Trace around the center of the doily heart a second time so that you will be able to cut from the black heart the exact same heart shaped hole that is in the doily design.
- On the back side of your doily frame, paste a square of cellophane or tissue paper to cover the small 'window' of the pouch.
- Now repeat the above seven steps if you would like the candy pouch to be the same on either of it's sides. If not, lay the finished frame shaped heart on an additional sheet of black or red construction paper to trace a replica shape for the back side of the pouch.
- Squeeze out a thin layer of of glue around one of the hearts and adhere it to the second heart shaped frame to create a pouch. Remember to leave the upper half of the two hearts free from glue so that a basket like pouch remains. You could staple the two hearts together if you feel that your glue will not be strong enough to hold the pouch together. This would depend upon what you intend to stuff the Valentine with.
- Polk a hole or use a hole punch on either side of the heat pouch in order to string your red ribbon into the Valentine for hanging after the glue has been allowed to dry sufficiently. (see picture above)
This photo depicts the order of preparing the heart shapes in order to assemble my Hanging, Red Doily Candy Pouch. |
Vintage Bug Valentines:
"To my Valentine" butterfly bug card. |
"Stick Around Valentine, Catch On" fly paper Valentine card. |
Friday, September 6, 2013
Craft A Half-Eaten Home!
- white cotton balls
- red, green and brown markers
- two white paper plates
- white glue
- scissors
- five green pom-poms
- one pair of googly eyes
- one tiny red pom-pom for the worm's nose
- a hole punch
- a few black beans
- Color the backsides of both white paper plates with a bright, ruby red marker.
- Cut from the center of one plate, a large or small hole.
- Paste onto the front white side of one paper plate, a cardboard stem and two leaves. These should be colored with markers before gluing onto the inside edge of the back plate.
- Paste on top of this first plate the second. Apply glue to the circumference of the entire edge of the back plate. Both of the red sides of the paper plates should be facing away from each other in order to create a three dimensional apple.
- Let the paper apples dry thoroughly.
- Glue soft cotton balls to the interior of your apple shape to represent the white insides of an apple.
- Paste inside of the apple, a tiny, green pom-pom worm.
- Glue on the worm's googly eyes and tiny red pom-pom nose.
- Glue a few little black bean inside the apple to represent 'seeds.'
- Punch out a hole at the top of your apple's stem so that you may hang your clever little 3D paper apple plate anywhere inside of the classroom.
This is wormy apple craft includes soft, bumpy, and rough textures. |
Monday, September 2, 2013
String a Wormy Apple Craft
String a wormy apple. |
- small, durable paper bowls
- red tissue paper
- green and brown construction paper
- a black marker
- a shoe string (preferably white)
- white glue
- tape
- scissors
- one box of Kellogg's Froot Loops
- With the pointed end of your scissors, punch a whole in the bottom of the paper bowl that is just big enough to push the end of your shoe string through to the backside of the bowl. Tape this end firmly to the back side so that your shoe string is permanently attached to the bowl.
- Draw and color in a few tiny apple seeds on the inside bottom of your bowl. This will represent the core of your apple.
- Now the bowl is ready for a small student to decorate with tissue and construction paper. At this point you could have your student(s) paint the bowl instead. I have chosen to use a layered torn paper method for the project in order to avoid the accidental consumption of paint. However there are many non-toxic and even edible paints on the market today that teachers could use alternatively for the craft project here without worry. The bowl is not intended for liquids to be poured into it; but the cereal worm might get a little paint on it before your student(s) ingest that part of their craft.
- Layer red tissue with white school glue just around the edge of the bowl approximately one inch down the sides in order to suggest a bright red apple.
- Then cut and paste a simple stem and two leaves to the top half of your apple bowl to further suggest the apple's realistic appearance.
- Now empty the Kellogg's Froot Loops into a large bowl and place it in the center of your cleaned work table. Make sure the bowls have dried over night and that your students have very clean hands while they string their cereal worms.
- Be prepared for much of the cereal to disappear into little hungry mouths! Knot the end of their worms and send the craft home.
Stringing small objects like Froot Loops or Cherrios can help develop your child's small motor skills. |
Because this craft activity is edible, teachers may wish to string cereal worms during snack time at their preschool or kindergarten. |