Free Printable - 10 Types of Flowers and 10 Types of Insects Spring and Summer Sort

Spring and summer are seasons that bring about a burst of life and color in the natural world. Flowers bloom in vibrant hues, filling the air with a sweet fragrance, while insects buzz around pollinating the flowers and engaging in their own unique behaviors. In this blog post, we will explore 10 types of flowers and 10 types of insects that can be found during the spring and summer months. Additionally, we will provide a free printable sorting activity for teachers to use in the classroom, helping students learn about the fascinating world of flowers and insects.

10 Types of Flowers:

Daisy: Daisies are cheerful and simple flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and pink. They have a classic appearance with white petals surrounding a yellow center, and are often associated with innocence and purity.
Crocus: Crocuses are early spring flowers that bring a pop of color to gardens and landscapes. They come in shades of purple, white, and yellow, and are known for their elegant, cup-shaped blooms.
Apple Bloom: Apple blossoms are delicate and fragrant flowers that appear in spring, signaling the start of the apple tree’s fruit-bearing season. Their pink and white petals create a beautiful display against the backdrop of green leaves.
Tulip: Tulips are iconic spring flowers that come in a wide range of colors and shapes. They are known for their vibrant hues, elegant form, and symbolic meanings of love and rebirth.
Pansy: Pansies are charming flowers that thrive in cool weather, making them a popular choice for spring gardens. They have velvety petals in shades of purple, yellow, and white, with distinctive “faces” at their centers.
Daffodil: Daffodils are cheerful spring flowers with trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant yellow or white petals. They symbolize new beginnings, hope, and resilience.
Snowdrop: Snowdrops are delicate flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, often emerging through the snow. Their white, bell-shaped flowers are a sign of the changing seasons and the arrival of warmer weather.
Primrose: Primroses are brightly colored flowers that bloom in early spring, adding a burst of color to gardens and natural landscapes. They come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white, with clusters of small, fragrant blooms.
Forget-me-not: Forget-me-nots are dainty blue flowers that grow in clusters and symbolize true love and remembrance. They have five small petals and are often found in garden borders, meadows, and woodland areas.
Foxglove: Foxgloves are tall and elegant flowers with bell-shaped blooms that attract bees and hummingbirds. They come in shades of pink, purple, and white, and are known for their striking appearance and toxic properties.

10 Types of Insects:

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Dragonfly: Dragonflies are colorful insects with long, slender bodies and transparent wings. They are agile fliers and voracious predators, feeding on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects.
Caterpillar: Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, known for their voracious appetites and unique appearances. They feed on plant matter before undergoing metamorphosis into adult insects.
Grasshopper: Grasshoppers are herbivorous insects that are known for their powerful hind legs, which allow them to jump great distances. They feed on grasses, leaves, and other plant material.
Ant: Ants are social insects that live in colonies and work together to forage for food, care for their young, and defend their territory. They are known for their strong communication skills and complex social structures.
Ladybug: Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds, are small beetles with brightly colored bodies and black spots. They are beneficial insects that feed on aphids and other garden pests.
Butterfly: Butterflies are iconic insects with colorful wings that are covered in tiny scales. They play a crucial role in pollinating flowers and are admired for their beauty and grace.
Praying Mantis: Praying mantises are predatory insects with long, slender bodies and powerful front legs that are adapted for grasping prey. They are skilled hunters and are known for their unique appearance and behavior.
Bee: Bees are crucial pollinators that play a vital role in the ecosystem by transferring pollen from one flower to another. They collect nectar to make honey and help plants reproduce.
Beetle: Beetles are a diverse group of insects with hard outer wings, known as elytra, that cover their delicate hind wings. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them one of the most diverse insect groups on Earth.
Fly: Flies are insects with two wings and large, compound eyes. They play a key role in pollination, decomposition, and as a food source for other animals.

Free Printable Sorting Activity:

You are invited to download the spring and summer picture cards for sorting with ten types of insects and ten types of flowers – learning printables for preschool and kindergarten children. Use this resource with photographs to create hands-on spring and summer activities for your students.

This free printable sorting activity is designed to help students learn about the 10 types of flowers and 10 types of insects discussed in this blog post. The activity includes colorful pictures of each flower and insect, along with labels for students to match them with the correct category. Teachers can use this activity as a fun and interactive way to introduce students to the diverse world of flowers and insects, while also reinforcing key concepts about pollination, ecosystem relationships, and the beauty of nature.

Flowers Hands-on Activities

Flower dissection: Children can explore the different parts of a flower by dissecting one. They can learn about the different functions of each part like petals, sepals, stamen, and pistil.

Flower matching game: This activity involves matching different types of flowers to their names and characteristics. It can help children learn about the different colors, shapes, and sizes of flowers.

Flower color wheel: Children can make a color wheel using different colored flowers. They can learn about primary colors, secondary colors, and complementary colors.

Materials:

A large piece of white paper or poster board
Different colored flowers such as daisies, roses, and pansies
Scissors
Glue

Instructions:

Cut out a circle from the center of the white paper or poster board using scissors. This will be the base of your color wheel.
Divide the circle into six equal sections using a pencil and a ruler. These sections will represent the six main colors of the color wheel – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Start with the primary colors – red, yellow, and blue. Choose flowers that represent these colors and glue them onto the corresponding sections on the circle. For example, use red roses for the red section, yellow daisies for the yellow section, and blue pansies for the blue section.
Next, move on to the secondary colors – orange, green, and purple. These colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. Use flowers that represent these colors and glue them onto the corresponding sections on the circle. For example, use orange marigolds for the orange section (mixed red and yellow), green carnations for the green section (mixed yellow and blue), and purple irises for the purple section (mixed red and blue).
Finally, add complementary colors to the color wheel. These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and often look good together. For example, red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple. Choose flowers in these colors and glue them onto opposite sides of the color wheel. For example, use red roses and green carnations on opposite sides of the circle.
Once all the flowers are glued onto the color wheel, allow it to dry completely. Then, display the color wheel for children to see. You can use this as a teaching tool to help children learn about primary colors, secondary colors, and complementary colors.

Smelling flowers: Children can be introduced to different scents by smelling different flowers. They can also learn about pollination and the role of flowers in helping bees and other insects.

Pressed flower art: Children can press flowers and make art using them. This activity can help them learn about the properties of flowers and how they change when pressed.

Growing flowers: Children can plant seeds and observe the growth of flowers. They can learn about the different stages of a plant’s life cycle and how to care for plants.

Flower petal counting: Children can count the petals on different flowers. This activity can help them with early math skills like counting and number recognition.

Flower color sorting: Children can sort flowers by color. This activity can help them learn about categorization and color recognition.

Flower sensory bin: Children can explore flowers using a sensory bin filled with flower petals, stems, and leaves. This activity can help them with sensory development and exploration.

Flower nature walk: Children can take a walk in nature and observe different flowers. They can learn about the different types of flowers that grow in their environment and their role in the ecosystem.
Flower arranging: Children can practice their fine motor skills by arranging flowers in a vase or pot. This activity can also help them learn about the different shapes and sizes of flowers.
Paper flower-making: Children can make paper flowers using different colors and shapes of paper. This activity can help them with creativity and motor skills.
Flower counting and graphing: Children can count the number of different flowers they see on a nature walk. They can then use this data to make a graph and analyze the results.
Flower tag: Children can play a game of tag where one child is “it” and chases other children who pretend to be different types of flowers. This activity can help them learn about different types of flowers and their characteristics.
Flower symmetry activity: Children can use pieces of flower petals to create symmetric shapes. This activity can help them learn about symmetry and patterns.
Flower measurement: Children can measure the height of different flowers using a ruler or a measuring tape. This activity can help them with early math skills like measuring and estimating.
Flower storytelling: Children can create a story about a flower’s life cycle, starting from a seedling to a fully grown flower. This activity can help them with language development and storytelling.
Flower scavenger hunt: Children can go on a scavenger hunt to find different types of flowers in their environment. This activity can help them with observational skills and learning about their surroundings.
Flower sensory bottle: Children can create a sensory bottle using flower petals, water, and glitter. This activity can help them with sensory exploration and observation skills.
Flower color mixing: Children can mix different colored flowers to create new hues. This activity can help them learn about color theory and mixing.

Make insects and flowers using playdough to point out the difference between the two types of living things.
Gather binoculars next time you go outdoors and invite the children to observe different types of flowers and crawling creatures.
Gather Safari TOOB figurines and invite the children to sort them into two groups.
Explore the most commonly found insects and flowers found in your area – make a poster with your students.
Discuss in a small group all the different ways children can protect animals and plants in their natural habitat.

Insect hands-on activities

Observing and classifying insects: Collect different types of insects and place them in a magnifying jar. Have the children observe and describe the insects using a magnifying glass. Encourage them to categorize the insects based on their characteristics such as wings, legs, color, and size.

Insect life cycle: Teach preschoolers about the life cycle of insects. Start by introducing them to the concept of metamorphosis. Show them pictures or real examples of different insect life cycles, such as butterflies, ants, or ladybugs. Provide materials for the children to create their own life cycle charts or dioramas.

Insect anatomy matching: Create small cards or pictures of different insect body parts (e.g., head, thorax, abdomen, antenna, legs, etc.). Provide the preschoolers with insect models or pictures and have them match the body parts to the corresponding images.

DIY insect habitat: Set up a small terrarium or bug box for the preschoolers to observe insects up close. Use natural materials like soil, leaves, rocks, and twigs. Encourage the children to find insects and place them in the habitat temporarily. Discuss the insects’ needs for food, water, and shelter.

Find a suitable container: Look for a small plastic or glass container, such as a jar or a small plastic terrarium, that has a lid or a screen top with holes for ventilation.

Add a layer of soil: Place a layer of soil at the bottom of the container. You can use potting soil or collect some soil from the yard or park.

Add natural materials: Add natural materials like leaves, rocks, and twigs. These materials will provide shelter, hiding places, and climbing surfaces for the insects.

Add water: Add a small amount of water to the soil. Be careful not to add too much, as this could make the habitat too damp and unhealthy for the insects.

Find insects: Encourage the preschoolers to find insects in the yard or park and place them in the habitat. Make sure the children handle the insects gently and don’t harm them.

Observe the insects: Have the children observe and describe the insects they find. Discuss the insects’ needs for food, water, and shelter, and how they use the natural materials in the habitat to survive.

Release the insects: After a short period of observation, release the insects back into their natural habitat. Remind the children to always handle insects with care and respect.

By setting up a small terrarium or bug box and observing insects up close, preschoolers can learn about the natural world around them and develop an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of insects.

Choose safe insects: Make sure the insects you choose are safe for the children to handle and observe. Avoid insects that may sting, bite, or carry diseases.

Provide food: Some insects may require specific food to survive. For example, ladybugs feed on aphids. Research what insects you plan to observe and provide appropriate food sources.

Use a magnifying glass: Provide a magnifying glass for the children to use to observe the insects up close. This will help them see details they may not have noticed otherwise.

Keep the habitat clean: Regularly clean the habitat to prevent mold or bacteria from growing. Replace the soil and natural materials as needed. Setting up a small terrarium or bug box is a fun and educational activity for preschoolers. It allows them to observe insects up close, learn about their needs, and develop an understanding of the natural world around them.

Bug hunt: Take the preschoolers on an outdoor bug hunt to collect insects in a safe and supervised environment. Provide them with magnifying glasses or bug catchers. After the bug hunt, discuss the children’s findings, and encourage them to reflect on the types of insects they found and why they might be present in certain habitats.

Insect sensory exploration: Set up different sensory stations related to insects. For example, you could create a touch-and-feel station with different textures mimicking insects’ wings or body parts. Another station could have scented items related to insects’ favorite flowers or foods. Encourage the children to explore and discuss their sensory experiences.

Insect-themed art: Provide art materials such as paints, crayons, paper, and glue. Invite the preschoolers to create insect-inspired artwork. They could draw or paint their favorite insects or create collages using pictures of insects from magazines.

Insect-inspired gardening: Incorporate insects into gardening activities by planting flowers that attract butterflies or creating a butterfly garden. Discuss the role of insects as pollinators and their importance in the ecosystem.

Remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the children during these activities, and ensure proper supervision when handling live insects.

Flowers and Insects Soring Printable

This resource will come in handy if you are planning to explore meadow habitat in your Montessori and early childhood classroom.

Print on card stock and laminate for longer use. After cutting cards, draw with a marker or stick dot stickers to the back of each set – one color for each set. Place the label cards in a row. Explain the difference between the two types of living things. Invite the child to sort cards into two categories.

After the child completed the task, invite him or her to flip the cards and self-check. Each card has to be under the correct category based on the dot color.

Young children can be encouraged to match the cards when printed twice and draw the insects and flowers they like the most using their choice of art medium.

Older children might be inspired to research and create their own books about wildflowers and insects native to your area.

The spring and summer months are a time of renewal and growth in the natural world, as flowers bloom in a riot of colors and insects buzz around pollinating them. By learning about the different types of flowers and insects that can be found during this time of year, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships that exist in nature. Teachers can use the free printable sorting activity provided in this blog post to engage students in a hands-on learning experience that will spark their curiosity and foster a love for the beauty and wonder of the natural world.