Hold your hand in a closed fist until you count. Then hold up the thumb and each finger as you count from one to five. Here is the beehive. Hidden away where nobody sees. Watch, and you'll see them Come out of the hive.
Insects make distinctive sounds.
For example, to make a cricket sound, rub a metal nail file against the edge of a piece of stiff paper. Using the various other items, have the students decide if each noisemaker sounds like an insect. Be on the alert for other items that make sounds like insects. In the spring, begin growing cucumber plants from seed. After the plants have gotten a good start, send them home for the students to plant in their gardens.