Children are often fascinated by the detail and minutiae of life. Small creatures such as spiders, bees, worms, slugs, snails and other common species that children may come across on a daily basis are easy to study and intriguing to young children. Practitioners can support children’s interest in learning about the real world by providing a good selection of plants to encourage life into the garden, by building bug hotels to encourage insects, and by taking them out on local nature walks. Indoors, butterfly gardens, ant farms and a fish tank for children to explore tadpoles are fascinating additions.
CLOSE OBSERVATION
The term ‘minibeast’ is commonly used as an umbrella term to cover all small creatures. However, according to Jenny McAllister MBE, consultant and in-service trainer for Mindstretchers, it’s better to use the terminology ‘insects, invertebrates and the relevant name of the species’ in favour of bugs and minibeasts. After all, she adds, we want to extend children’s vocabulary, and ‘if they know the names of the dinosaurs then they can learn then names of their native insects’.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here