Studying live specimens can help preschoolers overcome their fear of insects.
Many preschoolers are frightened of insects, spiders and other creepy crawlers. Studying insects helps them overcome their fears while learning about the world around them. An insect theme can last as long as your students' interest does. Study one insect at a time, and as you start a new insect study, compare the current insect to past insects, pointing out what they have in common.
Instructions
1. Read a story about the insect that you are teaching about. Some preschool level books include "The Grouchy Ladybug" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, and "Why Do Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears" by Verna Aardema.
2. Ask the children what they know about the type of insect that you are studying. Write down their responses on a white board or on poster board. If you have already studied other insects, you might prompt them to call out what they know about insects in general. For example, they may remember that insects have six legs or that they have wings.
3. Ask the children what they would like to learn about the insect that they are studying. If they seem stuck, make suggestions, such as learning about their habitats, their food and what their offspring look like.
4. Read the children books and look for other resources to find the answers to their questions about insects. If possible, show the kids a live specimen. Let the insect go free after each child gets a good look. Record the answers to their questions on the white board or poster board.
5. End your study with a relevant craft. For example, make caterpillars out of pompoms, create butterflies with chenille stems and tissue paper or make rows of ladybugs using the children's fingerprints as the shape of the beetles, and adding spots with markers or cotton swabs dipped in paint. Display the art projects on the wall of your classroom.
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