With summer in full bloom it is very easy for younger kids
to get antsy and out of routine. I am always on the lookout for fun and unique
craft projects that tie into what we are learning in our weekly summer reading
themes.
This week we are studying insects and spiders and I found this
great little project to make lightening bugs.
What you need:
Small empty disposable water bottle
Tape or glue
Construction paper in various colors or a printed copy of
attached template
Glow stick
Since we did this project in the middle of our classroom
time I found it easier to cut everything out beforehand but a child with a few scissor
skills would benefit from the practice.
To start you will need to either print out the template
below or hand draw your own images. If you are printing the template be sure to
do a print preview to make sure you are using the printing area of your
printer. You will need a three segmented body, a pair of double wings, six
legs, and a pair of antennae. 
Don’t be afraid to add a little education into your craft
project either. Explain to your child what makes an insect.
The head- where it has its brain and sensory organs like
mouth and antennae.
The thorax- this is where its legs and wings attach. An
insect has 6 legs and usually two pairs of wings.
The abdomen- this is where the heart and digestive tract
are.
Don’t forget, spiders are not insects. They have eight legs and
only two body segments!
Have your child tape or glue the main body to the front of their
empty water bottle. Next have them line of the wings in the back of the bottle
and attach those as well. Help attach
the antennae to the back of the head and the legs to the thorax. Be sure to
help your child understand that the legs attach to the middle segment of their
body.
We drew faces on our little bugs as well as decorated their
wings.
Lastly, activate your glow stick by gently snapping it and
drop it into your bottle. Be sure to tightly close the bottles top again and
let your little buggers go play with their new lightening glow bugs.
These are great on camping trips to run around with or hang
from the top of a tent.
