Materials
"I Can't," Said the Ant by Polly Cameron
images of ants or an ant farm (optional)
chart paper
marker
Instructions
* Choose some colorful and attractive insect pictures.
* On the back of each picture write the name of the insect in large, clear letters.
* Laminate and cut the picture in two. Five bugs and a total of 10 pieces to
match will be enough for younger children.
* Cut off any sharp corners and put your insect card halves in a box labeled
"Two Halves Make a Whole."
What to Do
1. Show the children the box and take out one card.
2. Discuss what they think this bug might be, and ask them what is unusual about
the picture.
3. Teach the word "half." Select a mismatched insect card and put the two halves
together. Ask, "What is strange about this combined picture?"
4. Tell the children that this second insect half does not match the first.
5. Now choose the correct matching half and ask if the insect looks right. Teach
that this is a whole insect.
6. Finally, show the writing on the back of the card with the two halves of the
word making a whole insect name.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* You can increase the difficulty by making 15 insects, giving 30 halves to
match. Jagged or puzzle-like cuts would also make for greater complexity.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children do this matching activity alone or in small groups?
* Do the children choose to work with either language or pictures to develop
their independence?
