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Summer is coming, and your kids are probably spending more and more time investigating the backyard. Do they bring you flowers, rocks, and insects? Encourage them to explore by going on a ladybug hunt! Look for ladybugs in the grass or in the garden, and encourage kids to describe what they see. Then, head inside (or to the back patio) for a ladybug washing activity.
What you’ll need:
- Foam sheets (cut them into circles ahead of time for the ladybug bodies)
- Washable markers, bingo bottles and washable paint, or dot art markers
- Plastic box or tub
- Sponge
- Spray bottle
- A storybook about ladybugs (optional)
What you’ll do:
- Look for ladybugs in your yard or at the park.
- If you do have a book about ladybugs, get it out and read it together.
- Discuss what colors and shapes you see on the ladybugs. Some are red, some are yellow. Do they all have black spots? What shape are the spots?
- Create your own ladybugs by adding spots to the foam shapes with markers, bingo bottles, etc.
- After kids have added the spots, give them a spray bottle filled with water and a sponge and let them wash the spots off in the plastic tub.
- On a hot day, do the activity outside, filling the tubs with water for a wetter, more sensory experience. (You can even freeze popsicle sticks in ice cubes and use those to wash off the spots).
