Every year, cicadas awaken from a long dormant period and dig their way out of the ground. The noisy clicking of the males to attract females can be so loud that it drowns out other sounds. Droves of these winged creatures fascinate children and adults alike. They may be only an inch long when grown, but they are a big deal and often make the news because of their huge numbers.
Cicada Symphony, by Sue Fliess, tells the story of periodical cicadas – those that emerge in the billions every 13 or 17 years.The book has a simple storyline, accompanied by short paragraphs that elaborate on the life cycle of these fascinating creatures. Read the story with 3-9 year olds and explore the wonderful world of cicadas with one or more of these activities.
Bug forms. Over their lifespan, cicadas take many forms, from eggs, to nymphs to newly emerged adults, to flying insects. Invite children to pretend they are cicadas. Encourage them to curl up like eggs in a tree, then fall to the ground and burrow in. Pretend to sleep underground for a while before digging their way to the surface, molting, waiting for wings to dry, and then flying around. Don’t forget to buzz!
Eco-bugs. Cicadas are part of our ecosystem, serving as a food source, helping to aerate lawns, and making the soil healthier for plants. Invite children to imagine that they have 100 (or 1,000) cicadas in their neighborhood. Ask: How many do you think the birds will eat? How many will the squirrels devour? How many will survive and lay more eggs? What would happen if all the cicadas died out?
Bug songs. Some people compare the sound that cicadas make to that of a motorcycle or lawnmower. Listen to a recording of cicadas (see Related Resources) and then encourage children to create their own cicada songs. Use just your voices or provide rhythm instruments (sticks, wood blocks, washboard, drums) to simulate a cicada chorus.
Bug wings. The wings of a cicada can be as beautiful as those of a butterfly. Search for cicada images (see Related Resources) and invite children to notice the variety of colors and patterns. Encourage them to draw their own cicada and decorate its wings however they like. They can imitate the book or another image, or create their own version from their imagination. Display (or post) their drawings together as if all the cicadas are part of the same cohort.
Bug time. Adult cicadas live for only 5 weeks. They spend most of their time underground getting ready to emerge. That means they have to be very patient, waiting until just the right time to appear. Invite children to play a game where they sit very still and quiet while you slowly count to 17. Then shout: It’s time to come out! At that signal, the children jump up and begin dancing around. They continue until you say: Time to burrow! Then they quickly stop where they are and sit quietly again. Repeat a few times to practice waiting and living joyously together.
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