Ladybug Theme Activities and Printable

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Ladybug Theme Math & Writing Activities

From We’re Going Buggy: A unit of ideas!
Compiled by Jill/K/OK

Math Center

Ladybug Math: Cut two ladybug shapes out of red construction paper. Cut 30 dots out of black construction paper. Set out the shapes, dots, and two dice. Have first child roll one of the dice. Invite her to count the dots on the die and place the matching number of dots on her ladybug. Now other child rolls the die, counts dot, and places matching number on his ladybug. Continue to take turns until all dots are gone.

Ladybug Math #2: Cut ladybug shapes out of red felt. Put on different numbers of sticker dots to represent their black dots. Make matching cards with ladybugs drawn on them with the same number of dots on them [for matching].

Ladybug Math #3: Cut ladybugs out of construction paper. [Draw or glue on] different numbers of black dots. Put a piece of Velcro on each ladybug. [Write corresponding numerals] on circles and put a piece of Velcro on the back of each. Match the number of dots on each ladybug to the correct numeral [by attaching the correct circle].

Writing Center

What bugs you?? After reading The Very Grouchy Ladybug, invite children to draw [to the prompt, "What bugs you?" Invite child to write or dictate what they drew. As an extension, you could post this on ladybug shaped paper.

The Ladybug

Contributed by Jean Roberts

When strolling through the garden

If you should chance to see
A ladybug out walking,
Please say ‘Hi!’ for me.
For a ladybug is a good bug,
And she helps the garden grow.
She’s supposed to bring good luck,
So be sure to say “Hello!”

Ladybug Action Poem

Submitted by Lori
(From Mailbox Magazine, April/May 1995)

Little red ladybug sits on a leaf.
She sits on a leaf on a tree.
And as she sits on that little green leaf,
There are so many friends to see!

Little yellow bumblebees buzz by the leaf.
They buzz by the leaf on the tree.
And as they buzz by that little green leaf,

There are so many friends to see! (Continue, substituting different insects and have children act out.)

Ladybug Craft
Contributed by Carol

You need:

• paper bowls
• red tissue paper
• glue
• black construction paper
• pipe cleaners
• paint brushes

Procedure:

1. Give the children some red tissue paper and have them rip it into small pieces.
2. Mix glue with a little water to thin it out and pour into a small container.
3. Give each child some of the glue and a paint brush.
4. Let them glue the tissue paper all over the back of the paper bowls.
5. Cut some black circles out of the construction paper and instruct the students to glue those on the bowls as well.
6. Poke two holes in the bowl on one edge of the top and have the children stick one end of the pipe cleaner in each hole from the inside of the bowl and then pull them through so they look like antennae.
7. We finished up by drawing a face on with markers.

The Grouchy Ladybug Math Lesson (telling time)

Ladybug printable (directions follow)

Can be used as a craft, or to program with learning center activities…unlimited possibilities!

Copy onto oaktag/cardstock paper.

Color the head black, wings red with black spots. Leave body below neck uncolored if using for learning game.

Cut out the body and the two wings. Use a brass brad fastener to poke a hole through the black dot on each piece.

Position the wings on the body with the straight edges along the “neck” and the rounded edges along the curve of the body. The 3 black dots should line up on top of each other so one brad fastener will go through and fasten all three parts together. Insert the brad and fasten beneath the ladybug. This allows the wings to swing open, exposing the ladybug body beneath.

Possible uses:
Program a wing on each ladybug with a numeral 0-10 or higher. Draw the corresponding number of dots on the body under the wings. Children read the numeral, then check their answer by swinging open the wings to count the dots.

Program with upper and lower case letters of the alphabet for drill. Put one case on outside wing, other case under wings.

Program with letter of alphabet and picture of object with corresponding letter sound.

Write a cloze activity on the wing, with the missing answer/word hidden under the wing. (sight words, vocabulary, math, etc.)

Write riddle or curriculum related question on the wing, write the answer under the wings.

Older children could write (copy or compose) a short poem under the wings. Or they could write a short response to a prompt fitting your current Spring or insect theme.

This site, How Stuff Works has fascinating facts about ladybugs!

Grow real ladybugs! Order from Insectlore.