Scary Bugs ESL lesson thumbnail
Book 0C · Unit 16Starter · Ages 4–6

Scary Bugs

This bugs ESL lesson teaches insect names, movement verbs and the phrase 'I see a...'. Children sing, fly, crawl and buzz, then create a labelled bug-scene collage and find hidden cards. They build a bug puppet and answer 'Are you scared of...?' before joining a puppet parade.

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Lesson format

2 × 45 minutes

Level

Starter

Age group

Ages 4–6

Main focus

Speaking first

What students will learn

• Identify bugs by name and shape
• Use 'I see a ___' in a sentence
• Create a bug-spotting scene
• Reinforce bug names through a puppet craft
• Practise 'Are you scared of ___?'
• Build vocabulary through songs and movement

Lesson flow

Children sing a bugs song acting out flying, crawling and buzzing, build a bug-scene collage labelling each bug, and go on a bug-walk game finding hidden bug cards. The second lesson builds a bug puppet with legs and antennae, plays a feelings game answering 'Are you scared of the spider?', and listens to a Grumpy Bug story, finishing with a bug-puppet parade.

Target language

  • • 'I see a ___'
  • • 'Are you scared of ___?'
  • • 'It's a ___'
  • • Bug vocabulary

Key vocabulary

  • spider
  • ant
  • bee
  • butterfly
  • mosquito
  • caterpillar
  • ladybird
  • creepy
  • bug
  • insect

Speaking questions students answer

  • • What bug is this?
  • • Are you scared of spiders?
  • • What bugs did you see?
  • • Is your bug big or small?
  • • What does your bug do?

Recommended teaching contexts

• Starter ESL and EFL classes• Ages 4–6• Primary school classrooms• Language schools• Private and small-group lessons• Teaching animals vocabulary• Pair and whole-class speaking• Interactive whiteboards and online teaching

Why this lesson works

The lesson follows a clear progression: Practise 'I see a...' with bug flashcards, build a bug-scene collage, build a bug puppet and discuss fears. Teachers can open the materials and start immediately, while students move from supported vocabulary practice to purposeful spoken English.

This lesson includes

• Interactive lesson slides
• Teacher guide
• Printable worksheets
• Speaking practice: "What bug is this?"
• Classroom games
• Videos
• Vocabulary practice
• Pair work
• Extension activities

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