Insects

We share our planet with millions of insects as they make their homes in every country across the globe. Insects come in a variety of shapes and sizes and easily draw the attention of the primary children. Our young ones are fascinated by the butterflies and bees that pollinate flowers and are curious about the skin left behind by a cicada. We introduce children to the names of the insects that visit our patio and share safe ways to escort the insects that find their way into the classroom back outdoors. We also introduce the children to the parts of an insect as a way to highlight the similarities and differences between insects and vertebrates.

Insect Activities

Insect Classified Cards ages 3 and up

Directions: Print and cut the insect classified cards. Invite your child to admire them. Share the names of any insects your child does not know.

Insect 3 Part Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Print and cut the three-part cards. Each insect will have a classified card, a printed slip, and a control card (depicting the classified card and its associated slip). Mix up the classified cards and slips. Use your knowledge of insects to match the slips to the forms. Check your work with the control card.

Spoken Language: Introduction to the Parts of an Insect ages 3 and up

Directions: Share the Introduction to the Parts of an Insect with your child. (Older children may read the definitions independently). After sharing the parts of the insect, spend a moment outside, and admire the insects that visit your backyard. The parts are easily identifiable on insects, such as ants. Carefully demonstrate how to use a magnifying glass to analyze an insect without disturbing its natural activities.

Coloring Activity ages 3 to 4 ½

Directions: Use crayons to color the insects on the coloring sheets. If you choose, color the individual parts of the insect described in the definitions. Use the control chart to see how you did!

Writing Activity ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Use colored pencils to fill in the individual parts on the Parts of an Insect Writing sheet. Label the parts using beautiful cursive writing. Use the control chart to check your work.

Reading Activity ages 5 and up

Directions: Independently read the definitions for the insect and its parts. Color the insect template so that it matches the description. Use the control chart to check your work. Then, cut out the definitions to make your own booklet.

Parts of an Insect- 3 Part Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Print and cut the three-part cards. Each part of the insect will have a classified card, a printed slip, and a control card (depicting the classified card and its associated slip). Mix up the classified cards and slips. Use your knowledge of the parts of the insect to match the slips to the correct picture. Check your work with the control card.

Parts of an Insect Definition Stages 1 and 2 ages 5 ½ and up

Directions:  Independently read the definitions for the Parts of an Insect. Match the written description to the associated picture. Next, print and cut out the definition cards and the red Parts of an Insect definition labels. Read the definition card that is missing the term. Choose the red slip that completes the definition for each part of the insect. Use the control card or definition booklet to check your work.

Parts of an Insect Definition Stage 3 ages 5 ½ and up

Directions:  Review the definitions for the Parts of an Insect. Print and cut out the definitions of each part into strips. Use your knowledge of the part to reassemble the definitions. Use the control card or definition booklet (from stage 1) to check your work.

Insect Riddles ages 5 ½ and up

Directions: Read each riddle. Write the name of the insect to which you think the riddle refers. Use the answer key to check your work.