Hop, Climb, Fly! Lesson Plan

Art: Butterfly Symmetry

Materials: card stock (9”x12” or larger), scissors, tempera paint, paintbrushes

• Make beautiful butterflies—and teach symmetry!
• In advance, cut out butterfly shapes from card stock so you have one for each child. Set out paint and paintbrushes.
• Show children pictures of butterflies. What do they notice about each butterfly’s wings? They’re exactly the same, but flipped! Tell children that the wings are symmetrical. That means that they are the same on both sides. If you folded the wings together, they would match up. (Remind children that in real life, you should not touch a butterfly’s wings.)
• Give each child a butterfly template. Fold it in half and open it again. Have children paint one half. When they are done, fold the unpainted side onto the painted side. Press firmly so the wet paint transfers to the unpainted side. Carefully unfold the butterfly. The sides should be symmetrical! fine-motor skills/math

Movement: Clifford Says “Move Like an Insect!”

Materials: none

• Play this variation on Simon Says. Children will move like insects, but only if Clifford says so. Give directives, like “Clifford says, ‘Fly like a bee.’” Then give a directive without “Clifford says.” Remind children not to move unless Clifford says! listening