Spring is here and this is a perfect time to write about bugs. The book, “Bug Safari” by Bob Barner”, is a story about a child trying to find the way back to base camp by following a string of ants. The trip includes a variety of other insects the child encounters on the way. At the end of the book there is a paragraph about each of the different bugs. After reading the story, I tell the students that they are going to write an imaginative story from a bugs point of view. I ask the students to think about what bug they would like to be. I ask them to think about things their bug would do and say. I invite several children to give some examples. Students might begin by saying things like, “I am a ladybug and my name is spot.” or “I am a bee and I have an important job”. Sharing ideas helps the students to focus on the bug point of view. It helps them to write like they are the bug, not to write about a bug. This activity provides an opportunity to introduce or practice the trait of voice.

I purchased a bag of foam bugs from the craft section of the dollar store. The bugs came in different sizes and colors. The students took one to match the bug they selected. Each bug has a sticky back that they will be able to attach to their illustration when they have finished writing. I have found that a tangible object, like the foam bug, provides motivation to write for many students. Once the students have completed the writing process and the illustration, they trace their work with a black fine line marker. This shows that the work is done. The students share their stories with the class and display them for all to see. The photo above shows the display.