1. Missy spends time with Mommy Reader’s Theater created by Stephanie Krol Spring 2007

2. Directions… With a partner, read this story about two ladybugs (one person can be Mommy and the other can be Missy) As you read pay close attention to the information provided about ladybugs Don’t forget to have fun and practice your acting skills *Remember this story contains real facts about ladybugs, but they don’t really talk to each other *clipart above was taken from www.artie.com

3. Mommy: Missy it is a beautiful day out. Let’s go for a walk. Missy: Ok Mom. Sounds like a great idea Mommy: I know you are still a young girl so I must warn you to be careful. If you see any birds fly above you make sure to play dead. This will save you from being eaten. Missy: Okay Mom, thanks. You know I think you are so beautiful. I love your red body with black dots. You are also so shiny. Mommy: Oh darling, your black body with red dots is just as pretty and you are definitely shiny just like me. Besides, enjoy what you have because when you get old your dots will start to fade in color. MISSY

4. Missy: I am starting to get really hungry. When can we eat lunch? Mommy: Well right around this tree there is a garden. I am sure we will find some aphids, mealy bugs or mites. Missy: Eewwwww. What is that? Mommy: They are very tasty bugs that eat gardens. They call them pests. People get really happy when we help their gardens. Missy: Ok Mom. I’ll try it…MMmmmmm. You were right. They are tasty! Missy and Mommy Continuing their Walk after lunch

5. Missy: (loudly) MOM! Look at that ugly insect. Mommy: Darling that is not nice. And besides, we are insects too. Missy: We are? Mommy: Yes dear. We have six legs just like them. Missy: So… a lot of things have six legs. Mommy: (laughing) Like what? Missy: Well I can’t think of anything right now (giggle). Mommy: We also have a 3-part body. Missy: I don’t have three bodies. Mommy: (laughing) No darling, I said 3 parts. Missy: OOOOOooooo Mommy: (Mother points to each part on Missy as she explains). We have a head, thorax and abdomen. Head: contains the mouthparts, eyes and antennae Thorax: the middle section that has three pairs of legs and wings attached Abdomen: hold the reproductive organs and the digestive system

6. Missy: I am getting a little sleepy. Can we go back home to the forest? Mommy: (with a smile) Sure. Missy: (Excitedly) Do you know that I have friends that live all over the place. I have one in a field, two in the grasslands, 3 in the garden that we had lunch at and I even have a buddy who lives in a person’s house. And… Mommy: (small laugh) What happened to you being sleepy? Missy: (laughing) I don’t know. Anyway thanks for a great day. Mommy: Your welcome and thank you for joining me. I hope you learned some things about yourself.