Love bugs are common in the south. They are similar to a lightening bug, but they attach themselves together, and fly around in pairs. This is a comical version of a love bug, because the wings are made from heart shapes. It can be used by preschool and kindergarten teachers to teach gluing and cutting on a curved line. It can also be used to teach the letter I for insect.
To make a love bug magnet, you will need
- Craft stick or popsicle stick
- Pink or red construction paper
- Heart shape cookie cutter or tracer
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Black markers or colored pencils
- All purpose glue
- Black pipe cleaner
- Medium wiggle eyes
- Peel-and-stick magnet, or an advertising magnet and foam double-stick tape.
- Optional: glitter glue
Popsicle sticks are a renewable resource in most elementary schools. Collect them at lunchtime by placing a box near the trash can, or by asking students to save them. Put the sticks in the silverware basket in a dishwasher, and allow the dishwasher to wash off the sugar and coloring.
If the stick has writing on one side, use that side for the back. Color the other side and edges black using a marker or colored pencil.
Use a tracer to make two heart shapes that are about three inches wide. For younger students, use a cookie cutter for a stamp, and stamp the shapes for them. Draw or glue smaller paper hearts on the wings if desired. Glue the bottom point of each heart to the craft sticks to make the wings.
Glue a piece of magnet to the back of the stick. Peel-and-stick magnets can be purchased. Advertising magnets can be recycled by cutting them into ½-inch strips, and applying double-stick foam tape to the side with the printing on it. A piece of magnet that is about 1 ½ to 2 inches long will hold the weight of the wood.
Bend a pipe cleaner in half. Glue the bend to one end of the craft stick. Curl the ends to make antennae. Glue a wiggle eye on each side of the pipe cleaner to make the eyes and cover up the bent part. Let dry.
Students can also add glitter glue to the wings if desired.
Sunshine State Standards:
VA.A.1.1.2 Uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills in a safe and responsible manner.
Assessment:
- The student used scissors to cut on the lines.
- The student used glue neatly and responsibly.
- The student bent the wire in half, and curled the ends.
- The student used peel-and-stick tape to attach the magnet.
©Paula Hrbacek All rights reserved. Please link to this article instead of reposting it. For reprint rights use the contact form at www.paulahrbacek.weebley.com.
Comments