Image of a fluffy orange moth
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (BACKGROUND, CECROPIA MOTH); THOMAS MARENT/ MINDEN PICTURES (SQUEAKING SILKMOTH); ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES (ROSY MAPLE MOTH); CORRY ANNE/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO (LUNA MOTH)
Picture This,

Can a Bug Be Cute?

From the May/June 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will get information about moths through text and images.

Lexiles: 380L
Featured Skill: Key Details,
Topic: Science,
Common Core Standards
  • RF.1.1 Features of print RF.1.3 Decoding RI.1.1 Key details RI.1.3 Connecting information RI.1.4 Vocabulary RI.1.5 Text features RI.1.6 Distinguish between information from words and images RI.1.7 Use visuals SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud
TEKS Standards
  • Science
    (13) Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms resemble their parents and have structures and undergo processes that help them interact and survive within their environments. The student is expected to: (A) identify the external structures of different animals and compare how those structures help different animals live, move, and meet basic needs for survival.

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Insects can be creepy and crawly. But moths are insects, and some people think they are cute!

This photo shows a moth very close up. Taking photos like this is called macro photography. You can see that the moth has big eyes. It is a bright color. And it is just so fuzzy!

  • It has fluffy antennas.
  • It has big eyes.
  • It has a fuzzy body.
  • It is bright orange.

Why are some moths fuzzy? They are a lot like butterflies. But most of them are nocturnal. They are out at night, when it is cooler. All that fuzz keeps them warm.

More Fuzzy Moths

Do they make you go “Aww”?

rosy maple moth

luna moth

cecropia moth

video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (3)
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)
video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (3) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)

About the Article

English Language Arts Focus

Nonfiction Text Features: Photographs & Labels

Science Focus

Characteristics of moths

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Implementation

  • Whole group
  • Small group

Pairings and Text Connections

Before-Reading Resources

  • Vocabulary Slideshow (5 minutes) insects, macro photography, nocturnal, antennas
  • Video: Insects, Insects Everywhere (5 minutes) Build background knowledge on insects.

Suggested Reading Focus

Getting information from text and images/labels (20 minutes)

  • Begin by reminding children that we get information from pictures. Take a close look at the photo of the moth. Ask children to share what they notice about it.
  • Read the mini article and bottom bar aloud for information about moths. What kind of animal is a moth? (an insect) Why are some moths fuzzy? (because they are nocturnal, and their fuzz keeps them warm at night.)
  • Put your finger on a label, and have children do the same. Ask children what labels do. (They point to a part of the picture and tell us more about it.) Have children follow the arrows with their fingers. Then read the labels together.
  • Finally, discuss what children learned from both the picture and the words in the article. What can they recall? What was most interesting? You can also have children vote on whether they think moths are cute.

After-Reading Skills Practice

Skills: Writing sentences; vocabulary/insects (15 minutes)

Text-to-Speech