This is an enchanting book to introduce children to counting backwards from 10. It is beautifully illustrated throughout and each page has a cutout circle and a three-dimensional ladybug that "stays" with the previous page. As you read along the flowing rhymed pages, the ladybugs help to visually reinforce the concept of counting backwards.

Mathematical Counting Activities for Kindergartners:

Cut out large ladybugs from red poster board or construction paper and laminate. Use black pipe cleaners for antennas. Write a number 1-10 on the ladybug's head. Have the students place counters (black buttons work great!), and put the number of spots on the ladybug to match the number on her head.

Math Extension: Put students in pairs or small groups, and ask them how many spots their ladybugs have all together. They would count all their buttons. This introduces addition concepts by counting.
 
 

Using the attached handout, students should look at the number on a petal, then use a red stamp pad and their fingers to make a fingerprint ladybug. Students can use a black marker to draw legs, antennas, and dots on the ladybugs. The student should make a set of ladybugs that matches the number on each petal. The teacher gives each student a copy of the attached handout, and a stamp pad. flower.doc

Math Extension: Students can write the number word that corresponds to the numeral on each petal.
 
 

Because this has a unique rhyming pattern, the children can be asked to pick out the words they hear that rhyme to work on language and literacy.

"Three little ladybugs drinking up dew, along came a duck and then there wereÖ..two!"

Also life science can be introduced by discussing the needs of the ladybugs (such as what the ladybugs eat and drink, and also where they live).