Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers
Exploring the letters of the alphabet is a great way to incorporate new themes and ideas into the preschool classroom, while teaching the fundamental building blocks to reading and writing. These preschool ideas focus on the letter "L" by giving crafts, art projects, and games for ladybugs and leaves. Feel free to use these preschool ideas in conjunction with other units on insects or nature if the alphabet theme doesn't suit the teaching curriculum.
Let's Look at Ladybugs
Most children are very intrigued by tiny insects, especially the colorful ladybug. Ladybugs provide an excellent opportunity to practice counting skills by counting the number of spots that appear on the ladybug's back.
For a fun ladybug craft, try making ladybug stamps out of potatoes. Simply cut the potatoes in half and carefully carve the shape of a ladybug into the white half of the potato. Dip the stamp into paint and press it onto the paper to create an assortment of ladybug prints.
Children can also create their own ladybugs by using paper plates, paint, and a metal fastener. For this craft, each child will need two paper plates. Instruct the children to paint one of the paper plates to look like a regular ladybug. Show pictures or an example for inspiration.
After they've finished painting the first ladybug, have them cut it in half lengthwise. Next, instruct the children to paint the second paper plate to resemble a ladybug with its wings spread open. Finally, attach the two halves of the cut apart ladybug to the second plate with the metal fastener, and now the children have a ladybug craft with wings that can open and close.
Don't Leave out the Leaves
Another excellent topic for exploring the letter "L" are leaves. These crafts also work well during autumn or spring. This fun activity called "Match the Leaves" can be performed with real leaves plucked from the ground or pictures of leaves found in magazines or books. If using real leaves, they can be laminated so that they last longer.
Gather pairs of several different types of leaves, and place all the samples into a box. Children are to go through the box and try to identify the matching pairs of leaves based on color, size and shape.
Here's a fun craft that is performed with real leaves gathered on a nature walk. Have children collect as many interesting leaves as they can find. Next, give each child a paper plate with the center cut out and have them assemble the leaves in a wreath shape.
Once they are satisfied with the arrangement, have them glue the leaves to the plate. Additional decorations such as glitter, berries or bows can be added after the leaves have dried.
Finally, here's a messy, fun preschool ideas craft that uses paint to create a tie-dye like effect on coffee filters cut in the shape of leaves. To begin, cover the working area with newspaper to prevent any mishaps with the paint. Mix paint of various colors and fill eye droppers with the paint.
Have children design their own leaves by using the eye droppers full of paint. Since the coffee filters absorb water, interesting designs and color patterns can be created using just a few drops of paint.
Mary Robinson has been teaching preschool for well over a decade. You can get instant access to her preschool activities, crafts, and lesson plans by visiting her website:
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