SPIDER RINGS! SPIDER RINGS!

(Tune:  “Spiderman” Cartoon)

Spider rings, spider rings.

They are such a fun thing.

Spider rings, spider rings,

You can teach anything.

Come on!  Have fun with spider rings.

This is what I do in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep.  I think of things to put on my blog!  And the good news is most everything I share is cheap, easy, hands-on, and FUN!  Plastic spider rings are plentiful this time of year, so here are a few ideas I came up with.

Sort

Ask children to sort the rings.  What was their sorting rule?

Count

Put different amounts of spider rings in bags or cups.  Number the cups.  Children count and then record their answers. 

Sets

Draw spider webs and label with numerals or number words.  Children make appropriate sets.

Addition and Subtraction

Children can work out math problems with the spider rings.

Estimate

Fill a plastic jar with spider rings.  Children estimate how many and then write it on a sheet of paper with their name.  At the end of the day count the spiders.  Who guessed more?  Less?  Who was closest?

Position

Give each child a spider ring.  Can you put it above your head?  Can you put it beside you?  Can you put it between your knees?  Etc.

Songs

Children can use spider rings to sing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”  Sing “The BIG FAT Spider” with a loud voice.  Sing the “Teensy Weensy Spider” with a high, squeaky voice.

Nursery Rhyme

Let one child be little Miss Muffet.  Tie a string to a spider ring and let another child dangle it as you say the rhyme.

Art 

Cut notches in a paper plate.  Children can weave yarn through the notches and then tie a ring to the end of the yarn.

Children can dip spiders in paint and then use them like paint brushes.

Patterns

Can children continue a pattern with the spiders?  Can they create an AB, or ABB pattern?

Literacy

Children draw a spider web on a paper plate.  They can write a story about a spider on the back of the plate.

Arachnoids

What’s the difference between a spider and an insect?  How many legs does a spider have?  How many legs on 2 spiders?   3 spiders?

What Can You Find Out?

Collect books about spiders from the library.  Invite children to look at the books and take “notes.”  Let children share their information with classmates.

*This would also be a good activity for children to do with a partner or small group.

Spider Applause

Bend down thumbs and touch four fingertips from each hand.  Tap gently!  That’s the spider applause you get for using these ideas!

P.S.  I think you’ll even find some Core Standards in this spider’s web!