Backyard Bug Buddies

While not literally in my backyard, it was exciting to learn that on-the-ground learning using Start with a Book’s Bug Buddies(opens in a new window) took place in my neighborhood during the summer! The Early Childhood Unit of Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation made insect investigation a part of the creative play, art, literature, and physical activity at their preschool camps. Amanda Dagle, Early Childhood Recreation Programmer is here to share how books and Bug Buddies inspired staff and added to campers’ adventures and hands-on exploration.

Going Wild for Insects

In August, we held a training for the lead staff of each of our five preschool and pre-k camp programs using the Bug Buddies(opens in a new window) video module and the Start with a Book website(opens in a new window). Our team decided to dedicate a whole week of August camp content around nature (Go Wild! Week) with a heavy emphasis on insects. We coordinated visits to all our sites with Virginia Master Gardeners(opens in a new window) who came to lead activities about Monarch butterflies which added to the rich content we already planned with Bug Buddies inspiration. Our staff were thrilled with the selection of picture books and put them to great use all week long!

First up, a reading of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly(opens in a new window) which was followed by a trip outside where campers explored fly swatter painting.

During the week, campers played the Insect or Not? sorting game from the Bug Buddies toolkit paired with our toy insects. Then, we put our Play Doh with our toy insects to encourage bug sensory play, stamping and making insect “fossil” impressions.

One special day, Virginia Master Gardeners brought milkweed, the plant most critical to Monarch butterfly survival, for participants to explore. Then, campers played a butterfly life cycle game, made butterfly antennae headbands and “migrated” all around the classroom. The Master Gardeners even dressed up as Monarchs for their visit!

Resources

• Start with a Book: Bug Buddies(opens in a new window)
• Start with a Book: Bugs(opens in a new window)
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Extension Master Gardener Program(opens in a new window)
• Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation: Preschool Programs(opens in a new window)