Bug on a Rug Lesson Plan

Teacher: 

You may want to pre-cut construction paper for younger students.  You will need 1” to 1 ½” strips for the borders and various shapes for the bug body (circles, oval, squares and long rectangles) in multiple colors.

1. Start by looking at close-up pictures of bugs and insects.
   • Talk about what bugs the children might see in your area. 
   • Each artist should decide what kind of bug they want to create for their project. 
   • Children may decide to create a bug from their imagination. 
2. Begin by creating a patterned “rug” on a heavy white paper with the markers.
   • Don’t forget that you will be gluing a border onto this sheet. 
   • The main “rug” color is the most important.
3. Choose a single color for your border (multi-colors will distract from your bug).
   • Trim border pieces, if needed, to be 1” to 1 ½” wide. 
   • Glue in place.  Be sure to stay inside the heavy white paper. 
   • Additional rug design may be added at this time. 
   • A pattern for the rug and fringe both look great.  
4. Plan your bugs.
   • Have older children draw a broad sketch, on scrap paper, using geometric shapes to plan their bugs. 
   • The bugs should be big and cover a large amount of the project. 
   • Don’t forget the details (eyes, spots, etc.…)
   • Cut construction paper shapes according to your sketch. 
   • Stress the use of vibrant colors.
5. Lay out the construction paper in your bug shape.
   • Firmly glue the bug pieces onto your rug. 
   • Be careful that no pieces overhang the paper.
6. The final step is for each artist to sign their name, in a contrasting color at least a 1” from the edge of their masterpiece.