Can learning something new change the way we feel about it?
That’s one of my favorite questions to explore with young learners, and Bethany Barton’s delightful book, I’m Trying to Love Spiders, is the perfect way to start that conversation!
Let’s face it. Not everyone loves spiders! Some children think they’re creepy, some think they’re cute, and others are absolutely fascinated by them. But what happens when we begin discovering just how amazing these eight-legged creatures really are?
My newly updated I’m Trying to Love Spiders Book Companion turns this entertaining story into a full day of meaningful learning, combining reading comprehension, science, vocabulary, writing, math, and a creative spider craft.
And because I know how busy teachers are, I’ve included a full-day lesson plan with differentiated activities and plenty of teaching choices!
First, Let’s Find Out What We Know!
I love beginning a lesson with a quick morning activity that gets students thinking before we even open the book.
Students complete a morning opener while adding a sticky note to our class poll: Are Spiders Creepy or Interesting?
Once everyone has shared their opinion, gather students and create a chart titled What We Know About Spiders.
What do spiders eat? Are they insects? Do all spiders spin webs?
Record their ideas, including possible misconceptions. We’ll return to this chart after reading to see how much we’ve learned!
Teacher Tip: Extend the poll into math by having students survey five or ten classmates. The resource includes differentiated data collection pages, making this a quick and meaningful math connection.
A Story That Might Change Our Minds!
Now it’s time for I’m Trying to Love Spiders!
Before reading, ask students why the author might be trying to love spiders. What makes them difficult to love?
As you read, pause to discuss the narrator’s feelings, the interesting facts being shared, and whether the narrator’s thinking begins to change.
After reading, revisit your original spider chart. What new facts can students add? Were any of their earlier ideas incorrect?
This leads naturally into the differentiated comprehension activities, including story elements, character feelings, main idea, author’s purpose, and opinion writing.
My favorite discussion question: “Do you have to love spiders to appreciate how important they are?”
We’re Becoming Spider Experts!
One of my favorite additions to this updated resource is the colorful All About Spiders anchor chart.
Students discover that spiders are arachnids, have eight legs and two main body sections, produce silk, and play an important role in nature.
Then it’s time for the new Spider Expert! mini reader!
Use this informational mini book during guided reading, with partners, or for independent practice. Students read spider facts and begin collecting information they’ll later use in their writing.
Next, challenge students with a Fact or Opinion? sorting activity.
Is “Spiders have eight legs” a fact? Absolutely!
How about “Spiders are creepy”? That’s an opinion!
Students can sort colorful cards with partners or complete an independent cut-and-paste activity. There’s even an Arachnid or Insect? sort to extend the science learning.
Arachnophobia! Let’s Make Words!
Here’s a vocabulary word that’s sure to get everyone’s attention!
Arachnophobia means an intense fear of spiders.
After discussing the meaning, use the letters in this enormous word for a fun Let’s Make Words challenge!
How many smaller words can students create?
This activity works beautifully with partners, in small groups, or as a literacy center. I’ve also included vocabulary matching, ABC order, syllables, and a word search for additional practice.
Let’s Write About Spiders!
By now, students have discovered so many interesting facts that they’re ready to become authors themselves!
Use the included writing organizer to help students develop an opening sentence, add two interesting spider facts, and finish with a sentence sharing their feelings.
Differentiated writing pages make it easy to support developing writers while providing opportunities for students ready to write more.
And when the writing is finished, the fun continues!
Students create an adorable purple spider with eight accordion-folded legs. Pair their spiders with their writing for a bulletin board titled:
“I’m Trying to Love Spiders!”
Add a big red heart to the display, and you’ve created a wonderful celebration of student learning!
A Little Spider Math!
Of course, we can’t forget those eight legs!
Students explore combinations that make eight, practice number recognition, and enjoy a partner dice game.
The morning poll and data collection activities also provide opportunities to compare numbers and interpret information.
I love when math connects naturally to our reading and science lessons!
Have Our Feelings Changed?
This might be my favorite part of the entire day.
Return to the morning poll and ask students to think about everything they’ve learned.
Do they still feel the same way about spiders? Did anything surprise them? Have they discovered something they now appreciate?
Students complete the My Feelings Are Changing! reflection and celebrate their new knowledge by making their very own Spider Expert hats!
And remember, students don’t have to love spiders. Learning to understand and appreciate them is a wonderful accomplishment!
Why You’ll Love This Updated Resource
As a former first-grade teacher, I know how valuable it is to have activities that work together rather than feeling like separate lessons.
That’s why I’ve included a complete full-day lesson plan that connects the morning opener, guided reading, science, vocabulary, writing, math, and craft.
You’ll also find plenty of differentiated choices. Select the activities that fit your students and schedule, then save the extras for literacy centers, math centers, small groups, or another day.
One more wonderful feature? This resource is perfect for classrooms that don’t celebrate Halloween!
Although spiders are popular in October, this resource is all about literacy, science, and discovering the wonders of nature. It’s perfect for fall or any time of year!
Whether your students begin the day loving spiders or finding them a little creepy, they’ll finish with new knowledge, wonderful writing, a creative craft, and the proud title of Spider Expert!
Ready for a little spider fun?
Visit my First Grade Hip Hip Hooray TpT Store to explore the newly updated I’m Trying to Love Spiders Book Companion!
Happy Teaching!
~ Michele
First Grade Hip Hip Hooray
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