Insects are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth with thousands of known species. They play an essential role in our ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and making the world a colorful place. Here are five reading and learning activities designed to engage your child in an exploration of butterflies, bees, and other bugs.
1. Read Monarch Mystery
The teacher brought a plant to school. It has an egg on it. Something beautiful is going to happen!
- Download Monarch Mystery
Discuss the book: What kind of plant did the teacher bring to class? What happened when the caterpillar ate the plant? Where do some butterflies go?
2. Watch Zoom In
Watch the video Zoom In to find out what three kids learn when they observe a small area closely.
Discuss the video: What did the kids observe outside in the patch of grass or in the tree? What did we see in the doorway? Name something you’d like to observe outside.
You can extend the fun by choosing a spot in or near your own home to observe. What do you see? You could create your own video to show your observations.
3. Write about migrating
Imagine you are a migrating butterfly. What is it like to fly for miles and miles? Write to complete this sentence frame:
I am migrating. I will _____.
You can extend the activity by choosing a different kind of bug to write about.
More to read!
For more reading about insects, download Don’t Stomp on That Bug!
4. Bug report
- Choose an insect or bug to research.
- Look in nonfiction books or online with an adult to find information.
- What do they look like? What do they eat? How do they move?
- Write or share what you learned about your bug or insect.
You can extend the activity by creating visuals for your report. Draw pictures. See if you can find the bug near your home and take photos.
5. Use symmetry
- Cut a butterfly shape and fold it in half.
- Paint an orange and black design on one side.
- Fold your butterfly again. What happens to the paint?
- Share your monarch and explain why it is symmetrical.
You can extend the activity by doing it again with another bug shape.
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Find more language arts activities for Grades 1-2.
This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
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