In this activity, students were asked to collect a rock no larger than a softball and clean it before bringing it to school.  In small groups, students painted their rocks as per the directions below.  Once the rocks were dry, the teacher glued on googly eyes and antennae.  A follow-up literature activity accompanied the craft.  The "Lucky" Ladybug rocks were displayed in the class before the children were allowed to take them home. 

Procedure for Ladybug Rocks:

1. Clean rocks to remove any dirt

2.  Paint surface with red acrylic paint

3.  Paint head and spots with black acrylic paint

4.  Allow to dry

5.  Glue on antennae (pipe cleaners) and eyes

6. Rub your "lucky ladybug" for good luck

Follow-up Activity:

Students named their "lucky ladybug" then completed a handout with the following: "If my lucky ladybug could grant me three wishes they would be...".  Student responses were interesting and enjoyable.  The students loved the "make-belief" aspect of this activity and rubbed their rocks often for good luck. 

Submitted by: Patti Fleger, St. Monica School

 Graphics by: LadybugsLadybugs