The perfect way to introduce bugs!
This is a very simple activity to help increase your child’s dexterity and spark their interest in bugs with one of the most interesting ones to look at — butterflies! Very easy to set up, all you have to do is cut out the shape of a butterfly and punch the holes around the edges. Your kiddo will then practice threading a string around the butterfly, capturing their attention and setting the stage to learn all about these magnificent creatures!
📚Books to explore: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle , and Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Bob Barner
🦋 Meeting a new friend. Insects can be scary to a young child, so use this activity to develop an appreciation of these misunderstood creatures.
☀️ Go exploring! Extend this activity by going outside and seeing how many butterflies and caterpillars you can find around your house.
Materials
For this activity you will need:
Scissors
Cardboard
Crayons or markers
Hole punch
Long string or shoelace
Learning Outcomes
Domain
Physical
Skills
Fine Motor
Indicators:
Adapting holding from palmar or pincer grasp
Instructions
Step 1:
Using scissors, cut a large butterfly shape out of a piece of cardboard from a package or cereal box.
Step 2:
Using a hole punch, make holes all around the outside of the butterfly 1 inch apart.
Step 3:
Have the kiddo use crayons or markers to color the butterfly. You can also read a story or show them a picture to help inspire their design.
Step 4:
Using your string, tie a knot around one of the holes so it stays in place.
Step 5:
Encourage the child to thread the string all the way around the butterfly.
⬆️ For older kiddos: Have the child cut and create the butterfly on their own, encourage them to create unique patterns, or time how fast they can thread the string.
⬇️ For younger kiddos: Take a more active role by using hand-over-hand to help them through the parts that they find challenging.
Playful Questions
Where do butterflies come from?
What do butterflies eat?
Where can we find a butterfly?
How big do you think a butterfly is?
What does a butterfly start as?