Week 1 - Backyard Bugs
As children learn about bugs, they can begin to appreciate them. Teachers can help foster these ideas by being a role model and demonstrating how they can react when they see a bug. For example, teachers can help children find bugs outside and initiate a conversation about how it looks or behaves. Learning about bugs is important because children learn about how they can help the environment. Bees, butterflies, beetles and ants are examples of bugs that are pollinators, insects that help plants grow. Through observations, discussions, songs and books, children can understand how bugs are beneficial to us.

Letters: Yy, Jj. Phonic Words: yacht, yam, yogurt, jet, juice, jaguar. Basic Concepts: brown, diamond, respect.

                                                 
Week 2 - Bug Homes
When learning about homes, children may initially think about their own homes or where they live. As children learn about bug homes, they realize that bugs are similar to us and need shelter too. They begin to understand that bugs sometimes build homes together as a group or colony, while others do it on their own. Children learn that these homes are all unique because they are built to protect from predators, make or catch food and give shelter from the weather. As children learn about bug homes, they reflect on their own households and how their families work together to help one another. Teachers play an important role by planning activities that invite children to construct bug homes using a variety of materials.

Letters: Zz, Qq. Phonic Words: zebra, zipper, zucchini, quilt, quarter, queen.

                                                 
 Week 3 - Camouflage Bugs
Bugs have interesting and unique features that help them survive. For example, leaf and stick insects look like and mimic leaves and twigs on trees. Children look closer at bugs and begin to notice those special details that make bugs interesting to learn more about. While learning about different features of bugs, teachers can ask children to reflect on how they themselves are unique. Children can think about how they look or what they are able to do. This is important because it gives children opportunities to build self-awareness. The ability to tune into one's own feelings, thoughts and actions is an essential building block for children's emotional development. When children understood themselves better, it's easier for them to build positive self-esteem. 

Letter: Yy, Jj, Zz, Qq. Phonic Words: yacht, yam, yogurt, jet, juice, jaguar, zebra, zipper, zucchini, quilt, quarter, queen.

                                                 
Week 4 - Crawly Things
Teaching children about a variety of bugs sparks creativity and supports scientific thinking about the natural world. These small creatures offer big learning opportunities. Children observe, ask questions, compare body parts and explore habitats in an engaging way. Bugs are everywhere, making them an accessible topic for outside discovery, literacy connections and dramatic play. Through books, teachers can build on children's background knowledge with prompts like "Why do you think this bug looks like a leaf? Would you rather be a caterpillar or butterfly? Why?" Insects are a fun way to help children build a lifelong respect for nature. 

Letters: Yy, Jj, Zz, Qq. Phonic Words: yacht, yam, yogurt, jet, juice, jaguar, zebra, zipper, zucchini, quilt, quarter, queen.

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