**Lesson Plan: Creeping Crawlies in the Garden**
**Age Group:** Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
**Duration:** 30-45 minutes
**Objective:**
- Introduce toddlers to different types of insects and other tiny creatures that live in gardens.
- Encourage curiosity and observation of nature.
- Foster a sense of respect and interest in living things.
**Materials Needed:**
- Picture books about insects.
- Plastic magnifying glasses.
- Small bug containers or jars (with breathing holes).
- Large, colorful pictures of common garden insects (e.g., ants, ladybugs, butterflies, worms, snails).
- Craft supplies: paper, markers, crayons, pre-cut shapes of insects, glue.
**Lesson Steps:**
1. **Introduction (5 minutes):**
- Gather the toddlers in a circle.
- Begin with a simple song or rhyme about insects (e.g., "The Ants Go Marching").
- Show the children large pictures of various garden insects and say their names aloud.
2. **Story Time (10 minutes):**
- Read a picture book about insects. Choose a book with large, colorful illustrations and simple text (e.g., "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle).
- Ask the children to point to the insects in the book and repeat their names.
3. **Exploration Activity (10-15 minutes):**
- Hand out plastic magnifying glasses and guide the children to an outdoor garden area (or a prepared indoor space with plants and hidden plastic insects).
- Encourage the children to look closely at plants, soil, and any insects they can find. Assist them in observing the insects and discussing what they see (colors, shapes, size).
4. **Bug Hunt Game (5 minutes):**
- Hide plastic insects around the garden or classroom.
- Give each child a small bug container and encourage them to find and collect the plastic insects.
- Once the bugs are collected, gather the children and inspect each insect, discussing its features again.
5. **Art and Craft Activity (10-15 minutes):**
- Provide pre-cut shapes of various garden insects (e.g., circles for ladybugs, ovals for caterpillars, etc.).
- Allow the children to color and glue the shapes onto paper to create their own insect pictures.
- Display the artwork around the classroom.
6. **Conclusion (5 minutes):**
- Gather the children once more and review what they have learned.
- Sing an insect-themed goodbye song or do a short dance to celebrate their discoveries.
- Give each child a simple insect sticker or stamp as a reward for their participation.
**Assessment:**
- Observe the children's participation and engagement during the activities.
- Note if the children can identify and name at least one or two insects.
- Pay attention to their ability to follow instructions and work with peers during the bug hunt and craft activities.
**Extensions:**
- Plan a follow-up lesson on the life cycle of a butterfly.
- Set up a small, safe insect habitat in the classroom for ongoing observation.
- Organize a family nature walk on the weekend to explore more about insects and other creatures in a real garden.