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Bugs

Language: English

This book includes general information, jokes, and descriptions of the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of a variety of common insects. With the assistance of an entomologist, LeVar discovers the uniqueness of a wide variety of bugs and insects at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Insect World. Viewers also take a trip to mountains in Mexico to find out where monarch butterflies go when they migrate for the winter.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Egg Carton Caterpillars

You will need:

  • cardboard egg carton
  • scissors
  • markers
  • pipe cleaners tape (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cut off the top of the egg carton, and cut the bottom half into two strips of six cups each. These can be used to make two caterpillars.
  2. Use markers to color the outside of the cups.
  3. Cut a pipe cleaner in half to make antennae. Use the scissors to make two small holes at the top of the head. Thread the pipe cleaner through the holes and bend upward.
  4. Draw or glue a wiggle eye on each side of the head.

Optional: Add sequins or glitter to jazz-up your caterpillar.

  

Have No Fear

Do your youngest family members have a fear of bugs? Here are some tips to help them overcome this fear:

  • Play with plastic bugs and games that have a bug theme such as “Cootie,” “My Little Ladybug,” “Bed Bugs,” and “Bugs-Match Ups.”
  • Make replicas of bugs you have seen, using clay and pipe cleaners.
  • Draw pictures of bugs you have seen outdoors. Talk about how many body parts, wings, legs, and antennae they have.
  • Read books about bugs, both nonfiction information books as well as stories with buggy characters.
  • View information videos together, as well as movies with charming bug characters.
  • Borrow a bug for an hour or two to observe in a jar. See the activity “It’s a Small World” for more tips.

It’s A Small World

Take a family walk to observe the bug world. Use a net to capture a bug or two and put in a jar to observe. A clean, plastic jar would be better than glass. Poke holes in the lid or tape a piece of cloth over the lid. Enough air will pass through the cloth for the insect. Then use a magnifying glass to check out your creature.
Find its three body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen.
Count the number of legs attached to the thorax.
If the bug has wings, count one or two pairs.
Check for antennae on its head.
Look at the colors or patterns of your bug. Discuss the shape of the bug’s body. Is it round, oval, or rectangular? Smooth or rough body?
If it’s a spider you have captured, then look for its two body parts, 8 legs, and pinchers.

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros
  • Backyard Insects by Millicent E. Selsam and Ronald Goor
  • Ladybug by Barrie Watts
  • The Bug Book And The Bug Bottle by Dr. Hugh Danks

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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