Long before children become adverse to bugs, insects, vermin of all kind, they are fascinated by them. Introducing them to the creatures of nature is a good way for them learn about their natural world. before thay get older and get dry heaves at the thought of touching a big leggy bug. Not that I do that, of course. Ahem.
This book, Pets in a Jar, is such a great book that talks about making pets (temporary ones!) out of small critters. It tells you how to make the critter comfortable in your jar so that you can best observe in a replica of their natural environment.
We have an assortment of bug, leaf, tree identification books that are referred to frequently. My 2 yr old son’s current pastime is to look intently through the insect one.
This is the time of year when the Monarch butterflies break free from their cocoons and fly away. Every year we try to gather a couple caterpillars and put them in a cage in a bunch of milkweed. We watch them weave their chrysalis and hopefully hatch into gorgeous butterflies. (If you haven’t done it before, here is a link to share with your children.)
Ours should be hatching soon. And, as luck would have it, my new camera is arriving today so I hope to some nice photos and the children make a monarch butterfly book of their own.
Oh good, I’m not the only one trying to get my kid to enjoy playing with bugs (much as there are some varieties that give me the heebie-jeebies).
Comment by Brigitte — September 27, 2007 @ 5:25 am
Hey Chris!
How exciting that your new camera came in time for the butterflies!
Also, can you please recommend some identification books? I’m looking for good tree/leaf, insects, and bird ID books for my almost-4 year old, nature-buff. I’ll also be ordering the Pets in a Jar book, I know he’ll love that!
Thanks!
Comment by ChristieNY — September 27, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
My kids love bugs. I’m amazed at how gently my son is able to pick them up and handle them. He’s really wonderful with them. He was in the habit of bringing home a bug or two several times a week from the garden in Kindergarten last year, so I helped him make a “bug hotel” where his little guests could overnight before he set them loose in our own garden. The kids also have a little plastic container with a magnifying glass on the lid and air holes, made for studying bugs and they use it all the time.
Comment by t in hd — September 29, 2007 @ 3:36 am