Ladybug Paperweight

• Use a rounded rock to create a ladybug paperweight. Wash the rocks to remove dirt, and allow them to fully dry before proceeding. Have the preschool students paint the rocks with red paint. Help them add small black dots of paint after the red paint dries. Paint the facial details onto the rock. Glue a piece of red felt to the bottom of the rock so it doesn't scratch the desk or other surfaces.
  
  

Foam Ball Puppets

• Use foam craft balls to create ladybug puppets with preschoolers. Cut each foam ball in half with a sharp knife. Provide each student with a half of a ball, and have them paint them with red paint. Add black dots with paint or markers. Make a V shape with a pipe cleaner and poke the point of the V into the top of the ladybug for the antennae. Poke a craft stick into the bottom flat part of each ladybug to serve as the handle for the puppet. Use the ladybug puppets during dramatic play activities.
  
  

Edible Ladybugs

• Decorate cupcakes to resemble ladybugs for a fun and edible preschool craft. Provide each child with a cooled cupcake, red frosting, chocolate chips or brown circular candies and straight pretzels. Help the kids ice the cupcakes in red and place the chocolate chips or candies on top for the ladybug's spots. Stick two pretzels near the head of the ladybug cupcake to resemble the antennae. Another option is to use a round sugar cookie as the body for the ladybug. Decorate the cookie in the same manner as the cupcake, using frosting to adhere the antennae.
  
  

Fingerprint Ladybugs

• Use red paint and construction paper to make fingerprint ladybugs. Pour a small amount of red tempera paint on a plate for each child. Show the children how to dip a finger into the paint and stamp it onto the paper to create a fingerprint. Allow the kids to make several red fingerprints on a piece of construction paper. Let the kids use a fine-tipped marker to add spots and antennae to their fingerprint ladybugs.