Dance of the Firefly

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fireflies1Have you ever admired dancing fireflies on a dark summer night? You can almost hear the music as they swoop and circle carrying their little sparkling lanterns. While some of the blinking lights seem to stand still, others wildly dart around in a frenzy of movement. One of my treasured summer memories is of my siblings and me dashing around trying to catch fireflies. I remember being so disappointed to find that the firefly, in hand, is a very plain and unattractive bug. But when the firefly is allowed to fly free to display it’s flashing little lanterns, it is a magical sight to behold.

Enjoy this YouTube video with your class: In a Flash: Firefly Communication

Supplies:

  • Medium blue construction paper
  • Crayons
  • Black crayon
  • White scrap paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick

Directions:

  1. For this art project we make an evening-like background using crayons. Make a horizon line with green crayon and color.
  2. Use a round shape to draw in the moon and then color white, add clouds. Draw trees and color with black crayon. Make grass and bushes with black crayon.
  3. Tiny fireflies are painted with white, on the background using the wood end of a craft brush, a Q-tip, or the pointed end of a skewer.
  4. Freehand draw three or as many as you want fireflies on scrap paper. Color and attach the fireflies to the background. Be sure to color the lantern end of the firefly with yellow or white paint.
    Tip: Since this is a magical scene, feel free to use pastel colors for the fireflies. Kids have a way of making art in their own unique way. Encourage them.
  5. After the dots are dry, paint each with two or three coats of glow-in-the-dark craft paint, by using the same pointed object as used making the fireflies. Paint the lantern end of the attached fireflies with the glow-in-the-dark craft paint with two or more coats. Be sure one coat is dry before adding another, about an hour between coats.
  6. Charge the glow by placing the picture in sunlight.

fireflies1 fireflies

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