Both classes this week are learning about symmetry.  Insects are great subjects to tie in with symmetry.  Most are symmetrical.  Some are beautiful.  Some are scary.  There’s something for everyone.  In the younger class, we began by reading The Bugliest Bug, by Carol Diggory Shields.  It tells the story of some sneaky arachnids that disguise themselves as insects, tricking the real insects into participating in a “bulgiest bug contest.”  Once the bugs realized they’ve been tricked, they spring into action, each using their unique skills to free themselves from the trap.  I let students choose which bug they wanted to draw.  Even though spiders are arachnids, not insects, they were allowed since they were such a big part of the story, and they are symmetrical. : )  We started with our paper folded in half.  Students drew half of their insect or arachnid on one side of the paper with oil pastel.  We then folded the paper and rubbed until the oil pastel transferred to the other side.  These were painted with puck tempera paint.