Net Craft: Make a Bug Net!

What You Need:

• Wire coat hanger
• Duct tape
• Yarn
• Large needle
• Plastic mesh bag
• Pliers
• Clear jar
• Plastic wrap
• Pencil

What You Do:

1. Ask your child what kinds of bugs they think can be found outside. Encourage them to think about how they can look for bugs while being respecful and kind to them. (For example, how can we view the bugs without harming them? What should we do when we finish viewing them? How and where should we release them?)
2. Help your child bend the body of the coat hanger into a loop.
3. Use the pliers to turn the hanging part of the coat hanger into a sturdy handle.
4. Let your child wrap the handle in duct tape.
5. Have your child stretch the opening of the mesh bag around the hanger loop.
6. Help your child fold the bag over the hanger loop.
7. Use the yarn and needle to sew the mesh bag onto the wire loop.
8. Time to go bug hunting! Take a walk outside with your child. Help them hold the bug net upright so that they can catch as many bugs as possible.
9. If they're having trouble hitting the bug jackpot, demonstrate for them the best way to catch bugs. Your child will need to quickly swipe their net before closing the mouth of the bag to keep any bugs trapped inside.
10. Look for slower insects as well, like spiders and beetles.
11. Your child can transfer their bugs to the clear jar.
12. Help them put plastic wrap over the jar.
13. They should poke tiny holes in the plastic wrap so that the insects can breathe.
14. Remind your child how to be gentle with the bugs they catch.
15. Let your child study the bugs they have caught. What are their favorite parts of each bug?
16. Help your child gently release the bugs where they found them after they finish studying them.
17. Let your child store their net craft in a safe place until the next hunting adventure!