Lily the Ladybug

Literature Project

By: The students in Mrs. Fleger and Miss Rudyk's Grade One Class

In this project students were introduced to a very special friend, Lily Ladybug.  Each night Lily went on a journey to one of the student's homes,  experiencing whatever the child did.  The most important part of this activity was a journal, containing response sheets, which accompanied Lily Ladybug on her journey.  A response sheet was completed by the student and parent before Lily returned to school the next day.  

The journal was written through the eyes of Lily.  Students wrote each entry as if they were Lily themselves, providing insights to her thoughts and feelings.  The response sheet provided space for Lily's response (the student responding through the eyes of Lily), a parent/student response (where the student and parents could talk about how they, or their household, were affected by Lily and what the experience was like for them), and a picture (of anything memorable from their experience).  Each day, when Lily was returned to school, the journal was shared with the class and the student had the opportunity to talk about their experience. 

An introductory letter explaining the project and a calendar indicating the date of each student's evening with Lily were distributed to the parents at the start of the project.  A special carrying bag was created for Lily and the journal to keep Lily as safe and clean as possible on her journey.  

What did Lily Have To Say...

~ " Nicholette and her family made me feel very comfortable in their home.  I especially enjoyed cuddling up with Niki in her big cozy bed with her puppy and falling fast asleep."

~ "I liked it when Danny read a story to me on the couch."

~ "Sophie took me to see all the plants her mom has planted.  I rubbed my antennas on celery and cucumber."

~"In bed we hugged each other and fell asleep."

~ "I rode around on Christopher's mom's head."

~ " I kept Willi company during his bath.  Willi really wanted me to come in and play in the water, but Mom said no.  Maybe next time I'll bring my bathing suit."

~ "Kimberly brought me to Sparks for show and tell."

~ "Anicia gave me a big kiss goodnight and snuggled beside me and said I love you Lily Ladybug!"

~ "The ride on the bus was very loud and bumpy, but Steven made me feel safe when he held me."

~ " I wish I could stay for the rest of the year."

~ "I really enjoyed being at Vlad's house.  I will miss him and his nice cat Simone."

~ "I was so happy to hear that Andrew's family was taking me to Jasper.  I got to see the Rocky Mountains."

What Did the Children / Parents Have To Say...

~ "We wished we had a big bowl of fresh, juicy green aphids to feed her at supper!"

~ "It was a pleasure meeting Lily.  She was very quiet and listened well."

~ "It was like a sibling that wouldn't argue!"

~ "Lily is welcome anytime!"

~ " I hope that everyone enjoys having her as much as we did."

~ " Buddy our puppy was really jealous of Lily."

~ " Alex wishes that Lily will someday come back to our house."

~" Lily was a delightful and low-maintenance house guest.  Molly eagerly awaited her stay for several weeks and was an extremely gracious and hospitable hostess."

~ "We really enjoyed her company and hope Lily enjoyed Vanessa's tender loving care - tucking her in for a nap, feeding her Vanessa's special aphid recipe, and reading her a story."

Submitted by: Patti Fleger, St. Monica School