We have all had days when we feel like being polite and cooperating. Kids seem to have this mood a couple times a day! But eventually we learn that if we were just polite or we just worked together it would have been way easier. Eric Carle’s The Grouchy Ladybug teaches this lesson beautifully. This mean ladybug doesn’t want to share so goes off and has an awful day! Then finally ends back up where he started but this time grateful to share with the other Ladybug. This book is an excellent example for our kids! In most Eric Carle books, there are a few other lessons he teaches. This book is another great Math book teaching the time of day. Also is a great Science book showing kids many different types of Animals.
Read Aloud Tips
Eric Carle books are great books for young readers because they are very repetitive. Your child will start to memorize sections of the book with out even trying. After you read to your child a few of the Ladybug’s encounters, let your child “read” those lines. This will help engage your child in the story and build confidence in reading.
While reading asking kids questions about the story is a great way to make sure they are following along and understanding. There are many great questions to ask but there are two that are so easy that can be used for any book. Two best read aloud questions to ask is:
- What do you think will happen next?
- Why …?
Predicting will help kids to learn how visualize stories which builds comprehension. While reading and making predictions, kids stay connected to the text. While reading, they can reflect, rethink, and change their predictions. Sometimes kids are afraid to be wrong and will try to opt out of making predictions. Sometimes it is helpful for you to also make predictions with your child. It is also helpful if you make predictions that you know are plausible but wrong so you can show your child that it is ok to review and revise your predictions.
The Second easy questions to ask are simple “why” questions. Why do you think the Character did this? Why do you think he doesn’t want to share? “Why” questions lead kids to use inferences in the story. It also ensures that they are connected to the story.
Questions to ask for Grouchy Ladybug
Before you read:
- Why do you think this Ladybug is grouchy?
- What’s something that makes you feel grouchy?
- How did you solve your problem?
- How do you think this ladybug will solve his problem?
While you are reading:
- What happened when two ladybugs landed on the same leaf?
- Why do you think he didn’t want share?
- Why do you think the ladybug wanted to fight?
- What animal do you think will come next?
- Why do think the whale didn’t answer the ladybug?
- Where did the grouchy lady bug end up at the end of the story?
After reading:
- How did the grouchy lady bug feel at the beginning of the story?
- How did his feelings change during the book?
- How do you think the grouchy lady bug will act tomorrow?
- What should you do if you feel grouchy?
Materials
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The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Card board egg carton
Ladybug Egg Carton Craft
Cut out a single egg holder from the carton and paint it red. Set aside to dry.
Cut a small red circle to make the wings. I used a toilet paper tube to trace for our wings. It was the perfect size!
Cut the Circles into two semi circles. Draw the lady but spots on the wings. We love using tempera paint sticks. Here is a link.
Use a brad to connect the wings at the top so the wings can flap. Don’t flatten the brad yet . When the paint is dry, we will connect them to the egg carton.
Cut an oval for the face to the ladybug. Then glue two wiggle eyes on the oval. Let everything dry.
When the paint is dry, use a paper clip or something sharp to poke a hold for the brad to hold the wings on. Then place the wings through the hole and flatten the brad. Here’s the link for the set of brads (brass metal fasteners) that we like. I like the different of sizes.
Glue The face on the front of your ladybug! Let dry and you are done! These cute little guys are great for acting out the story and brainstorming some better ways to solve problems.
