Eric Carle-Author Study; The Grouchy Ladybug

This is a writing activity to do with young children after reading the book The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. I put together the ladybugs before hand by cutting out a circle from black construction paper that was about 5 inches in diameter. I then placed a circular piece of writing paper inside the black circle and then attached a black circle of paper to the top as the head. I made the wings by cutting a circle of red paper about 5 inches in diameter and cut that circle in half. I attached the wings using two brass fasteners towards the top of the circle. The writing prompt for this particular assignment was "I am happy when...". The students wrote about things that make them happy. These answers varied from "I am happy when I eat ice cream." to "I am happy when I see my friends.". The children were advised to use their best handwriting and when finished, they could decorate their ladybugs by adding black spots, eyes, and antennaes. I created a bulletin board for the hallway by using blue paper and adding clouds to it. I placed the ladybugs with their wings open so the words could be read.