The Life Cycle of a Ladybug

1. Begin the lesson by asking students to name an insect they find pretty or interesting to look at. If a student names ‘Ladybug’, stop and underline it and explain to students that is the insect they will be learning about today. If no one says ‘Ladybug’ add it to the list.
2. Read the story ‘A Ladybug’s Life’ by John Himmelman.
3. After reading the story with students, go over the lifecycle of a ladybug.
4. Watch the video about the lifecycle of a ladybug. After the video, have students share one thing they learned about ladybugs and their lifecycle.
5. Review the following vocabulary words with students regarding the ladybug lifecycle: Egg, larva, pupa and adult.
6. Place students into 4 small groups of 3-4 students. Assign each group a stage in the lifecycle (egg, larva, pupa, or adult). Have each group work together to draw the stage they were assigned on construction paper. Have them spell out the stage that the image represents. Give students 10-15 minutes to do this.
7. After each group is finished, have students share in order of stages. Have them share what stage in the lifecycle they drew and one fact they know about the ladybug at that stage.

Remediation: Allow students to use technology instead of drawing (Ex: Chromebook, iPads, etc); Students can create Google slides to show the stage of the life cycle they were assigned. 

Extension: In addition to drawing the stages, students can create a flip grid to share their drawing/presentation with the class rather than presenting in person. 

Students will be assessed through questioning that takes place during the lesson. They will also be assessed on whether or not they are able to accurately draw the stage of the lifecycle they were assigned.