Hey there,
Age 2 is pretty unpredictable in regards to touching things. When I teach nature or garden ed, we talk about how we "Observe and do not disturb." There are so many things we can touch while gardening, thank goodness, so keeping little hands busy often helps. With the 3s and 4s I work with, and older ages, I stress what they CAN do or should do, such as using gentle hands, or keeping their body on their own body, or only looking with our eyes. I stress that only the teacher handles wildlife, if needed, to prevent insects from being overhandled. This tends to prevent most mishaps.
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Teresa Brown
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-07-2021 04:03:08 PM
From: Nina Moench
Subject: caterpillars
Hello Everyone!
I am wondering how everyone keeps caterpillars safe from little hands?
We planted fennel and the caterpillars showed up right away! I got really excited and showed the children. Within about 10 minutes a sweet two year old had smushed them both.
Now I have some shear fabric draped over them. The caterpillars are safe and growing, but I wish I could let the children see them.
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Nina Moench
DIG Childhood Center
LOS ANGELES CA
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