A guide for using our resources

Children will discover how spikes can help insects survive.

Vocabulary: survive, prey, jabs

Science Focus: animal adaptations

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RL.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 vowel sounds; W.1.2 writing; RI.1.10 read and discuss first-grade texts; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• Loretta loves plants and insects. But when she learns some insects could hurt her plants, she has a big problem. While learning how Loretta solves her problem, learn about how insects and plants help and hurt each other too!

• Review the vowel i, asking students to make the short i sound, then the long i sound. Can students think of a word that has the short i sound? Make a list of words. Then ask students to find words in the article with a short i sound. Words in the article include: insect, it, and hit. Repeat for the long i sound. Words in the article include: spiky, hiding, and bite. What other words will your students find?

Skill: writing, fine-motor

Materials: My Insect Checklist skill sheets, pencils, crayons

• Students can design their own insect while reviewing the body parts that all insects share!
• Begin by having students review insect body parts. Refer to the chart on the back page of the issue to support the discussion.
• Start drawing your own insect where all students can see it. Model using the checklist on the My Insect Checklist skill sheet as you add parts to your insect. Have students help you count how many body parts, legs, and antennas are on your insect.
• Have students share what they would add to make their insect special. Would they use wings, spikes, or something else?
• Give each student a My Insect Checklist skill sheet with pencils and crayons. Remind students to use the checklist to make sure their bug is an insect! Then have students share their creature creation with the class.