A guide for using our resources

Students will identify surprising facts about bees.

Vocabulary: insects, sleek, larvae, pierce

Science Focus: insects

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 phonological awareness; RF.1.3 phonics and word analysis; SL.1.1 collaborative conversations; L.1.6 use new vocabulary

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• Follow brave Kaia as she overcomes the one thing that scares her the most—bees!

• Make a list of all the words in the article that have ee in them. Then find and list the words that have ea in them. Words include: bees, sleek, need, sleep, sweet, dreams, idea, and leave. Do all of the words make the long e sound? Circle any words that don’t follow the rule. For example, you could circle learned.

• Can your busy bees spot the truth? Make statements about bees to the class. When they hear something that is true, students can making buzzing sounds and “fly” around the room. Shout “Bees freeze!” to have students stop and listen for more statements. Students can take turns making their own bee statements! Try the following statements to start the game: All bees are black and yellow. Bees never sleep. Only some bees sting.

Skills: observation, writing

Materials: Insect Scavenger Hunt skill sheets, clipboards, pencils, crayons, optional: books about insects

• Go on an insect scavenger hunt! Will students spot their favorite bugs?
• Give students clipboards with the Insect Scavenger Hunt skill sheet attached. Go on a scavenger hunt for insects outside.
  • Alternatives: hunt for photos or illustrations of insects in books from your classroom library.
• Students can color each insect they spot.
• After the hunt, have students circle their favorite insect. In the lines below, ask students to describe their favorite insect. Ask questions to help guide them: What color is it? Does it have wings?