Catching Lady Bugs

I read this idea (or a form of it - I put my own twist on it) on one of the many blogs I read. I'm sorry that I don't remember where I saw it. My purpose behind this activity is to help the kids with their chopstick wielding skills (in this family, it's important).

Here's what you need:

• Green Rice (you can use the same coloring technique described in my colored pasta tutorial)
• Plastic container (we used an old ice cream tub - it's perfect as it has a handle. I covered the words on the top by decoupaging a red circle on the lid)
• Chopsticks (we have child friendly ones to begin with - I hope to graduate them to the real ones once they get better)
• Ladybug buttons (found ours at Michael's - 12 for less than $2.50)
• Bug catching container (just to make it fun and follow the theme)

I was sure, when I gave them the activity, to let them know how many ladybugs there are to find. I also told them they could only pick them up with the chopsticks. A bonus to the ladybug buttons found at Michael's is that half of them have glitter and half of them don't - so they each chose a kind to find and therefore, didn't fight over any of them when it got down to the last few.

It kept them busy for about half an hour (I think had it not been too hot out there, they would have gone longer). Their chopstick skills have also improved already - especially Lyssie who couldn't even master pinching and aiming for food at the same time. Many times she found hers and had them in the cage before her brother had his. Amazing!