Notes for adults

Age 3 · 10 min · Easy

Nine picture cards for naming garden bugs and playing a simple finding game.

Learning objectives

• Point to a garden bug when hearing its name.
• Name or try to name familiar garden bugs.
• Describe one feature visible in a picture.

What you need

• Printed card sheet
• Scissors for an adult to cut out the cards

Safety notes

An adult should cut out the cards and keep scissors out of the child's reach. If you look for real bugs, stay with the child and avoid touching them.

How to do it

1. Cut out the nine cards before you begin.
2. Show three cards and name each garden bug.
3. Point to one and say, “This is a bee.”
4. Invite the child to point to a bug you name.
5. Let the child choose a card and tell you what they see.
6. Introduce the other cards a few at a time, following the child's interest.
7. Put the cards away together when you finish.

Teaching suggestions

• Say the names slowly and give the child time to respond.
• If choosing is difficult, offer just two cards and point together.
• Talk about visible features: “The ladybug has spots.”
• In a group, let each child choose a card on their turn.

Variations

• Easier: Show two very different cards and ask the child to find one.
• Harder: Lay out four cards and describe a bug for the child to find.
• Extend the play: Talk about which bugs the child has seen near home or in a garden.

Talk about it

• What do you notice about this bug?
• Which bug would you like to watch? Why?
• Where do you think this bug might live?
• What is different about these two bugs?

What to look for

• Notice whether the child points to a bug when they hear its name.
• Notice which bugs the child names or tries to name.
• Listen for a comment about a feature in a picture.