Animals & Insects
The topic of Animals and Insects is one that is naturally interesting to children, as they have an innate fascination with nature and creatures that walk the earth. As parents and as teachers, we enjoy watching little ones develop an appreciation for the world around them, and a love for living things. One of the best ways to foster this love and appreciation is by educating children about the natural world when they are still small.
We focus on the theme of Animals and Insects once a year at Little Phase Crèche and always plan fun and creative activities to keep children interested while learning. If you’re a parent or guardian, you will already be added to our monthly Little Phase newsletter mailing list and you will get more insight into these activities. For now, consider the importance of learning about Animals & Insects for young children:
Develops Empathy
Once children understand that life is fragile and complex, they begin to develop more empathy for living creatures that roam our planet. The balance of life and the way that different animals and insects grow and change is part of the circle of life, and when children are taught about this, it becomes easier for them to respect the natural world.
Outdoor time
In a world where screens are dominating our children’s free time, it helps to show them the value of the time they spend outdoors. Explore the insects that roam your own garden, go for a walk and point out different pets that you come across, or enjoy a picnic or beach day where the natural environment is different. If you see a new animal or insect, point it out to your child and talk to them about the unique characteristics it possesses.
Encourages Curiosity
One thing children have no shortage of is questions, and the topic of Animals & Insects is so much fun to learn about. Make a point of talking about the lifecycles of insects like caterpillars and explain that chickens come from eggs. Children relate to the relationships between animal families, so it helps to give them perspective while learning – rabbits and bunnies, cats and kittens.
Can be sensory
Hands-on exploration lets little ones learn through their sense of smell, sight, and touch. If you have a dog at home, let your children feel the soft fur or hear the barking, and explain that they bark to communicate. You can even be creative and use tactile materials to represent the feeling of certain animals and insects
Learning about insects and animals also improves a child’s vocabulary and promotes language development. Embrace the topic and enjoy exploring the natural world with your little one. Where can you start? Ask your child what their favourite animal is, and let them share their reasons for why they chose the animal that they did.
Check out our School Guide for more information on what our crèche can offer your child, and contact us to arrange a visit to one of our school locations in Table View with your little one.
