Ok I need to warn you that if you are afraid of spiders (Elaine this warning is for you) that you should stop reading this post NOW!!!
Ok if you have continued reading then I would like to introduce you to Crawly.
Crawly is a male Tegenaria agrestis. Common Name: Hobo Spider. We found him in our living room, put him in a jar and he became the inspiration for our week long theme. (In the above picture Crawly is devouring a fly who was also found in our living room and put into the jar. Fascinating to watch).We have read The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle all week long. It is now on my list of favorite books. It's true just look at Thurdsay's post.
We made a spider puppet. It required a bit more assistance from me than I prefer to give, but turned out to be a fun companion to read with.
We had some Tot Friends over this week and they got to join in the fun as well.
This is a game called Jitterbugs. It's similar to the classic fishing game except magnetized spiders hanging off branches catch the twirling jiggling ladybugs.Later in the week we made a Very Busy Spider of our own.
And we did let Crawly go free. I must admit I was a little emotional to see the furry arachnid leave.
And that is the story of how an eight legged home invader created an entire week of learning and fun!For more Tot School head to 1+1+1=1
10 comments:
Ok, so I'm glad that you were able to have such a great week with a spider, but I must confess that Crawly wouldn't have lasted more than about 45 seconds in my house! I just don't like spiders, but I'm glad that other people can appreciate them. :)
I'm not a fan of spiders and would not be happy to find one like that in my house but we LOVE The Very Busy Spider. You did a great job turning the spider appearance into some wonderful learning.
I hate spiders! but I think it is so great you made him into a teaching moment!!!:) great job!!
Oh my goodness I just bought that book last night and was planning on doing a little unit this week. THanks for the inspiration (though we might skip the pet spider part ;)
What a great week! I love the very busy spider book as well :-) What a fun way to have a real science experience right in your home :-)
Now this is my kind of school--we have caught all sorts of creepy crawlies and studied them---it is great hands on learning!
wow - even though I was warned off in advance I couldn't stop myself and had the full body shivers. I don't think I would have been quite as emotional to see the furry arachnid (shiver) leave!!!
My 3rd grade teaacher had a pet tarantula when I was in school. I've had a soft spot for big ugly spiders ever since. It's weird.
What a fun unit study and what cute crafts! I am going to have to go check that book out my kiddos. Thanks for the ideas!
Hope you have a great birthday dinner with your hubby!!!!
Shannon
Post a Comment