Ladybug Projects & Ideas

                 Pocket Books

 The pictures on this page represent some of the ladybug activities from my first grade classroom.  There are art projects, pocket books, hats, Mother's Day pins and flowers, and some ladybug fun. 

                      The Ladybug Pocket Book:

  The inspiration for pocket books is from the monthly pocket book ideas published by Evan Moor.  The format of folding construction paper, binding, etc. are similar to  the directions listed in their books.  However, the ladybug pocket book contents for my classroom were developed by me.  The individual  pages in the project provide an excellent way to divide activities between whole group, small group, centers, etc. since the pages are done one-at-a-time.  The students bind the pages together at the end of the unit with yarn, string, ribbon, etc.  They are then able to see a progression of this project from the beginning to the end.  There is much pride when my first graders carry the finished book home to their families.   

                          The Ladybug Pocket Book Cover

                              Mi Libro de las Mariquitas

                                    My Ladybug Book

Directions:

 1.  Use red  and black construction paper for the pages (12" x 18" size).

 2.  Measure 7" from the bottom of the page.  Make a line on the paper.  Fold to the 7" line (from bottom to top).

 3.  Punch two holes in the left side of the book.  These holes will be punched on each page added to the pocket book set.  

 4.  Decide what components you want to include in the pocket book project.  Some suggestions  for different pages may include:

          * The life cycle of the ladybug.

          * Ladybug babies

          * Ladybug poems and songs.

          * Ladybug art

          * Ladybug stories or books (The Grouchy Ladybug, etc)

          * Ladybug math activities

          * Ladybug writing

5.  When the project is completed, tie the pages together with yarn, ribbon, rings, or string.  I use black yarn.

6.  The cover pages can be decorated by the students.  My students decorate their books as a center.  I have stickers, pictures, and ladybug stamps and ink for them to use.  At the center, I include a stencil of the ladybug shape that they can trace.  The stencils are made from oak tag.  There are black markers for them to use to add details such as the face, eyes, dots, etc.