Finding books that my students relate to is the BEST! My kids love story time. I read to them at least two times a day- usually more. The beginning of the day begins with a book that they voted for that morning. I set 2 books out on a stand, and they vote each morning for the book they want to read. I have snap cubes set up for them to take 1 cube out and put it in front of the book they want me to read.
They LOVE this!! I usually choose books that go along with what we are talking about or by an author we are learning more about at that time. For me- it's a win-win!
Grouchy Ladybug is always a favorite, and they laugh and laugh at this one! Who wouldn't like to make grouchy faces during parts of the story? I usually read this book in early spring right at the time when all the insects and ladybugs start to appear. Insects are so much fun to learn about it, so it is always great to read fiction and nonfiction I usually choose a few insects and do a day on that selected one. Ladybugs are a MUST!
I make a grouchy ladybug craft every year. This craft is fun to display on our bulletin boards because everyone loves to see what makes them grumpy. It is usually something like when my mom wakes me up or when I have to clean my room. My favorite part is taking a picture of each one making a grumpy face!! Some have the look down, but some just can't stop smiling. We have to practice and practice to get it just right.
My students get so excited every time we make a craft after reading a book. It makes it more meaningful to them, and the ladybug is always a treat.
There are so many other ladybug books to add to learn more about them. I also like to get ladybugs from our local nursery to have in the classroom. You can only keep them for a day before letting them go, but they LOVE this!! I have a butterfly cage that I keep them in, and we let them go at the end of the day. You can imagine all the squeals with that!!
Other activities in this resource are a story map and a ladybug clock. It is such a cute way to practice telling time! These are pretty simple to make- just print and add a brad for the arrows and wings.
If you are looking for a fun idea for spring, check it out! Please tag me and let me see their work!
