Inside: Download this free Itsy Bitsy Spider printable activity and create props for music and movement or circle time!
A favorite finger play, year after year, is the Itsy Bitsy Spider. In fact, you might recall reciting this during your childhood, too! It’s always included in our collection of fall songs .
Bringing familiar materials into your classroom environment is comforting to young children, especially those who are experiencing separation anxiety.
Because I love to use props, I created some simple spider printables that, when turned into stick puppets, are a fun addition when singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song.
Scroll down towards bottom of this page find the free download!
Keeping toddlers and preschoolers engaged during circle time can be a challenge.
In fact, that’s one of the most popular topics in our Facebook group.
I’ve always struggled with children listening at group time/circle time. They will suddenly need every and anything and will get up walk around …
As I’ve mentioned in my most popular “Tips for a Successful Circle Time” video, getting the children involved is a must.
Using props is one of my favorite additions to circle times.
I’ve shared props in previous posts, such as our apple and pumpkin stick puppets (free printables!).
How to Use the Itsy Bitsy Spider Printable Activity for Circle Time
What you will need:
- The Itsy Bitsy Spider song (Part of our October Spotify Playlist)
- Spider printable (Scroll down to find free download)
- Popsicle sticks
- Heavy (card stock) paper or a laminator
Putting Together These Props
After downloading the printable, make enough copies so that you and each child get one.
Then, cut around each spider. Laminate if desired.
Assembling the Spider Sticks
Simply tape a popsicle stick to each piece and they are ready to go!
Virtual Teaching
Using props is just as important if you are teaching virtually.
When I started online teaching in March of 2020, I quickly realized I needed visuals to draw the children in.
I experimented using props on sticks so that I could easily hold them in front of the screen.
It was an instant success, and I’ve continued to create them for most of my sessions.
Click on the graphics below to see all of my virtual teaching resources:
The Itsy Bitsy Spider Virtually
Every two weeks we put together a packet and place it in a box outside our building. Families can then come and pick up their children’s packets to have them ready for the next two weeks’ worth of sessions.
When I first introduced our spider sticks to the children through the screen, I invited them to move the spider according to my directions: on their ear, on their head, on their chin, their forehead, etc.
I then turned on the Itsy Bitsy Spider song and we sang while moving our spider sticks.
Such a fun way to get our toddlers and preschoolers engaged!
FREE SPIDER PRINTABLE
Click on the photo below for the free pdf download:
And make sure to also grab these free spider printables:
Spider Scissor Practice (Free Printable)
Spider Counting Cards (Free Printable)
More Spider Activities
Itsy Bitsy Spider Puppet (Using a Paper Plate)
Yummy Spider Snack (That Involves Counting)
More Circle Time Props!
Keep your toddlers and preschoolers engaged during circle time with props to favorite songs and rhymes!
I was wondering when you would be putting the printable for “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” song on your website to print. Let me know as soon as possible
Hi Cherylann – I will let everyone know when my story time packet is available. Soon! 🙂