World’s Toughest Bugs Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will identify insect adaptations.

 

Science Focus:

insects, animal adaptations

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, opinion writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a diagram

 

Vocabulary:

predators, scurries, exoskeleton, armored, defense

 

CCSS:

SL.2.3, RI.2.1, RI.2.4, RI.2.10, W.2.1

 

Guided Reading Level:

K

 

Lexile level:

520L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on dental health.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "The Wild World of Bugs." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one new thing you learned about bugs?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are predators, scurries, exoskeleton, armored, and defense.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue and discuss the cover. Why do kids think bugs might need to be tough?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: "Think about how each insect’s body keeps it safe from predators.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz 

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

  • The “Build an Insect” game reinforces the body parts of insects while letting kids create their own unique bugs!

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here’s how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words predators, scurries, exoskeleton, armored, and defense.

Editor’s Pick: Opinion Writing (15 min.)

  • The Toughest of the Tough skill sheet asks children which bug from the issue they think is the toughest. Scaffolded writing sheets help children back their answer with reasons and form a conclusion.

ELA Focus: Sequencing (15 min.)

  • The Built Bug Tough skill sheet invites children to consider a problem an insect might have and engineer their own adaptation to solve it.

 Here are past issues you can use to extend your lesson on insects:

  • "This Bug Stinks!,” May/June 2021. This issue introduces children to stinkbugs and how their smelly adaptation is problematic for humans.
  • “Garden Defender,” May/June 2019. This issue explains how ladybugs help save gardens by attacking pests.

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 620L
  • Lower Lexile level: 480L