Entomology for Toddlers

Insects are all around us. Toddlers can explore and learn when they become little entomologists (scientists who study insects). When teaching at home, you can have a bug hunt inside your house. The explorers at National Geographic Kids magazine suggest using an old hula hoop or long piece of string to create a large circle on the floor.

Cut out pictures you draw of ants, flies and spiders or other insects. Or, cut pictures from old magazines or coloring books. You can glue or tape your drawings or pictures to sturdy pieces of cardboard to make them last for the next bug hunt. Scatter the “bugs” inside the circle you have marked on the floor. How many bugs can your little scientist find? Help your child count and name the bugs. When you do, you are teaching your child math and language skills, too.