female spiny leaf insect
Just look at this magnificent specimen of a spiny leaf insect the children at Syndal Preschool have!
male spiny leaf insect
She is a female, hence the different looking body shape to this male.
We have had it since last year when it came as a tiny baby.
Even though the children are used to it being here, it still appears to be endlessly fascinating to them.
Magnifying glasses …
and reference books are available for the children …
as are drawing materials.
Someone found a little praying mantis who is in there keeping company with its bigger companion …
and someone popped in a slater, found in the kinder yard. Quite a menagerie happening here!
Such an amazing opportunity for learning! The children don’t realise it but they are learning about the importance of observation, noticing how our stick insect has grown. Looking at the features of our real insects. We take turns to hold the insects and are very careful as we teach the children how to treat living creatures. Drawing and creating pictures of our insects. The children are connecting with nature.
Early Years learning Framework
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
2d; Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
5b; Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts.
