How to Host a Bug Playdate

 If your kids are fascinated about bugs like mine are – then it’s time to host a How to Host a Bug Playdate!

 How to Host a Bug Playdate: Learning Stations

The kids had such a blast, that I wanted to share with you the stations in case you wanted to host a bug day for your kids or even a small group!

1.Observing Nature, The kids went on an adventure into the backyard.  There were several live beetles and bugs pre-hidden for the kids to find.  We also lifted up a rotting log to observe the insects hiding underneath.

2. Literature station – find the bugs in the book and talk to the kids that insects have 6 legs. The kids all loved the book Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth and Laura Huliska-Beith,  And, although I LOVE the little Snappy Book collection as most kids I have read to just think pop-up books are neat but, I have found that these books are not the most accurate. One of the pages shows a bug with 8 legs and it is NOT a spider. This collection has such bright colors and clear pictures, that I still think they are good books to have and read with kids.

3. Art and Fine Motor Connection: Drawing bugs on a large chalkboard. Using an upright chalkboard or easel helps strengthen their wrist muscles so they are better prepared for more accurate letter writting.

4. Science connection: Observing at the stages of a beetle.  (My son LOVED this and kept saying “Zhuk” which is Russian for bug over and over again)

Extend the Learning at Home:

And, as a take home kid, each kid brought home a Mexican Jumping Bean, complete with instructions and a little home.  How cool is that.  Well, both my tot and my 5 year old are in LOVE.  We have now had Beany (his new name) for 4 days and the kids have carried him around everywhere.  If you are looking for a pet, this one isn’t too bad.  It has all the food it needs in the bean, only needs a bath once a week and doesn’t need to be walked!