In preparation for a class discussion on the benefits of ladybugs to farmers, place a large map on the bulletin board and have the class identify the areas in the world where ladybugs help farmers. Have some portion of the class create pictures of the actual crop specific to the area. Once identified and labeled, the children can then populate those areas on the map by making their own ladybugs and aphids using paper art materials.
Since ladybugs have wings that open from the top, read a book about the ladybug and have each child draw an image related to the story on paper cut out to fit the wing span and shape of a ladybug's wings. Pasting the pre-cut winged ladybug on top of the picture will provide a fun story surprise to be displayed on the bulletin board, perfect for spring open house exhibits.
Since there are more than 5,000 different varieties of the ladybug, after studying about the ladybug, allow the children to create their own version of a ladybug, using colors of their choice while requiring the basic ladybug characteristics: oval body, short legs, spots and antennae. Create a basic plant background of leaves or vines, and position the finished bug artwork along the background board. Add a bit of textile fun by using pipe cleaners for antennae.
To reinforce the information learned about the ladybug, put together a bulletin board with facts and questions hidden behind the wings, to be randomly discovered by the children. Have one or two children at a time during that segment of learning choose a bug from the board to read the secret message behind the wings to stimulate discussion and questions. This could also be used for any subject, with the ladybugs providing the secret information.
Start with a large ladybug with no spots covering the entire bulletin board. Explain to the children they will be earning spots for the bug by doing something extraordinary in the class. The spots will be their own faces taken with a digital camera and then framed inside a red spot and placed on the back of the bug for the entire class to enjoy. This could also serve as a welcome board for the new class year by simply displaying each new face as a spot.