Ants Can Be Friends Too!
Ants can be seen as friends or creepy crawlies. In my Pre-K Counts classroom, the students either got ecstatic to see a large ant crawling on the pavement or they got super grossed out. I noticed that it was the students who I would’ve expected to find the ant gross. What I asked myself watching them examine this bug is what is important about exploration in early childhood?
Exploring
Children need to explore at young ages to get in touch with their scientific method of observing. Applying this can enhance the nerve connections to the brain. In the article Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play, it is also mentioned that sensory play helps with the development with fine motor skills. How does this apply to the kids at the Pre-K Counts?
Well, these four and five year olds were gathered around this small ant on their hands and knees. Some collected sticks and leaves for it and others shied away in disgust. When the sticks were brought back over, the children needed to be very precise with their movements so they did not injure the ant.
The Values of Play: Sensory
Children develop when using all five senses. Watch and learn about the values that the sensory center bring to preschoolers. For more information, visit reynoldstx.com. You’ll discover how sensory play can strengthen physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Stayed tuned to the end because the teacher’s role is also explained.
Students should be given the opportunity to engage in sensory play, whether it be with beads in a bucket or an ant on the sidewalk, because one small ant can make a big difference in a child’s development.