Setting Up the Toddler and Preschool Classroom for the Bug Theme

Last Updated on April 6, 2025 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: This week we are setting up the toddler and preschool classroom for the bug theme. We’ll be doing lots of exploring inside and outside while learning about bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other bugs!

Last week we it was all about gardening, and this week we are adding bugs to our learning environment.

We’ve got displays for bees, caterpillars, and ladybugs.

We’re sorting different bugs, matching them to the pictures on cards.

We have small bugs and bug catchers at the block table.

Our shelves are filled with bug books and bug puzzles.

And the outdoors is calling our name for more exploration!

Setting Up the Toddler and Preschool Classroom for the Bug Theme

Exploration Table

We set out cards with pictures of various bugs, and then found matching bugs that we could display with them.

Our children will be invited to match the big bugs to those on the cards.

Science

We are using the top of our shelf unit for the sunflowers that we planted last week.

I displayed photos from books in acrylic page holders so the children could see photos of what will happen once their seeds start growing.

Sensory Bin

I used coffee beans that we recycled from another activity and added more of the big bugs, along with scoops.

I sprinkled letter B tiles and stones into the bin as well.

Art

We made ladybug suncatchers out of clear plastic plates that hung in our window. You can see more here.

Related: Easy and Fun Spring Crafts

Playdough

I gathered our chunky bug stamps to press into our play dough. I love the big knobs on the top – perfect for little hands!

Related: Playdough Learning Ideas

Puzzles

I downloaded a couple of bug puzzles from 3 Dinosaurs, laminated them, and then put magnetic strips on the back.

This cookie sheet was only 99 cents at Walmart and is the perfect size for independent magnetic activities! It can be used flat on the table, or propped in a book stand for a vertical challenge.

Make sure to check out our bugs & insects printable packet for more learning activities!

I also found these colorful wiggly worms that I saved from last year, and added matching cups for a sorting activity.

Large Motor

I found an entire packet of Insect, Bugs, & Creepy Crawlers Movement Cards from Pink Oatmeal that are perfect for the bug theme!

This will be a fun addition to our music and movement activities, plus we will be learning how different bugs move.

Dramatic Play

We are having a ladybug picnic in our dramatic play area! A dear friend, who is a retired preschool teacher, gave me all these ladybug felt caps that I love bringing out this time of year. They are adorable!

I also found a ladybug scarf to toss across the table, and featured one of my favorite ladybug books.

There is also a bug jar activity that comes with a bunch of soft bugs.

Related: 25+ Dramatic Play Activities