On Beyond Bugs

A BOOK ABOUT INSECTS

Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today we are exploring On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects written by Trish Rabe and illustrated by Aristides Ruiz. This book and playful read aloud can help to reinforce the curious world and science of insects.

Kids enjoy reading the same book over and over again so having a physical copy may be beneficial. On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects includes a glossary and index to make learning terms easier. I recommend this book as a mentor text when introducing or reinforcing these valuable parts of a nonfiction book.

This version can be purchased on Amazon or at a secondhand bookstore. It would make a nice addition to any homeschool or classroom library.

HINT: After you have introduced and explored this book, kids can utilize the YouTube read aloud in a listening center or quiet activity.

Overview

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects is a book that is part of the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library series. The story is told in rhyme and kids of all ages will enjoy this entertaining book. The whimsical Dr. Seuss style illustrations partner with the nonfiction poetic verse for some fun learning about insects.

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects – Read Aloud

The STEMHAX read aloud includes some real videos and photos of bugs.

Exploring On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects with Young Learners

First, start with a book cover inspection. Show children the cover of the book, and ask, “what do you think this book is about?” Follow this with some open-ended questions to get their minds warmed up.

• What are some insects you might see outside in the yard?
• What are some differences between bugs and insects?
• How do you feel about insects?
• What are some things you know about insects?
• How do insects move?
• How are insects different from people?

After reading the book for the first time, ask more open-ended or fact checking questions. Remember there are no wrong answers. Some questions might include:

• Why did the author name the book On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects?
• Where are some places insects live?
• If you were an insect, how many legs would you have?
• What are some things you have in common with insects? (think 5 senses)
• How many body segments does an insect have?
• What was your favorite insect in the book? Why?
• Why would an insect give off a terrible smell?
• Why are bees important?

Vocabulary

• abdomen – The last section of an insect’s body.
• chrysalis – The stage between caterpillar and butterfly.
• insect – A small animal with three pairs of legs, a hard outer shell, and three body parts.
• pollination – The transfer of pollen from one flowering plant to another.
• thorax – An insects middle body part; the wings and legs are attached to the thorax.

Extend the Lesson

The following videos are a great way to extend the lesson. There are some hands-on activities and some other read alouds about insects.

I Love Bugs – Read Aloud

This YouTube reading of I Love Bugs! includes some simple animations. This helps to keep the student’s attention and feels more interactive.

The Bug Book – Read Aloud

The Bug Book written by Kathy Krankling and illustrated by Kristin Kest is a great book about insects. It is an entry level science book with beautiful illustrations for young learners. This read aloud version has some cool bug videos within the read aloud for a fun spin on the book.

Leo Cockroach…Toy Tester – Read Aloud

This book touches on a multitude of concepts. The biggest lessons of the book are friendship, bravery, and most of all, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Leo Cockroach is a toy tester, however, he tests toys in secret for a lady who is always trying to extinguish him. The toy maker across the street might be a better option for survival. He soon finds out that running away from your problems might not be the best solution.

Leo Cockroach…Toy Tester is also a fun introduction for an Earth Day recycle STEM project. You can read more HERE.

Hands-On Explorations

Finally, enjoy some hands-on explorations. Here are a few to get you started.

My Insect Book – Read Aloud

There are over 20 different insects featured in “My Insect Book” and video. Kids can enjoy this video and read along while practicing simple science facts about each insect. It contains repetitive sight words and science words, like oblong and defend.

This insect video was created to use with the My Insect Book and it can also be used in conjunction with any insect lesson plan. Check out the free sample download on TPT. The packet sampler includes a mini version of the reader that coordinates with the insects in this video.

Coffee Filter Butterfly Craft – Teach the Teacher

The following video walks you through how to make a simple coffee filter butterfly. This low mess craft can be used in an arts and crafts lesson or with any butterfly science lesson. Supplies are simple, too; 2 coffee filters, one chenille/pipe cleaner, washable markers and some water. You can visit One Little Project for step by step instructions.

Insects Sampler

The FREE download includes a sampling of some the items that are in the Insect BOOK COMPANION packet and the Insect Science Reader download. This packet is generic and can be used with any books or lessons about insects.

How to Draw a Butterfly And Cocoon – Folding Surprise

Art Hub for Kids is kid friendly and your students will love this how to draw lesson. You will need to pause the video periodically to allow students catch up. Let them know this ahead of time so their is minimal frustration.

FREE Read Aloud Book Report

Need accountability in a listening or iPad center? Check out this FREE Book Report available in my TPT Store for download. 

Thank you!

We appreciate you taking the time to learn about this read aloud book, On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects. Please consider following our YouTube Channel for more read aloud books relating to academic interest subjects.

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