Slowly over the past 15 years, for reasons unknown, colonies of bees have been disappearing. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to teach kids early on not to fear bees, but to have a respect from them, along with all other insect life. Showing and teaching kids all of the things bees do for us and the environment, ensuring future generations will become more aware of the issues, and work to protect the future.
Visual Aids
Using visual aids, such as photographs, beekeeping equipment, or even bringing in an observation hive, are all great ways of engaging children. Research completed by psychologists show that the effective use of visuals can decrease learning time, improve comprehension, enhance retrieval, and increase retention. Visual aids will keep kids interested in asking questions, and learning about bees and their purpose. Create power-point presentations to aid in teaching, and be sure to use more photos and other visual cues and fewer words. Another great way of incorporating visual teaching methods is by using games and short activities, like coloring or creating stories with pictures, to help break up the information given.
Take a Trip
Having the kids go to a honey farm is a great way to show them in person about bees, because the social experience provides the opportunity for students to encounter and explore bees in their native setting. They will be able to see how the bees work together to create the combs and about how pollination eventually leads to honey we consume. It’s also a great way to introduce them to the hobby of beekeeping. They have the opportunity to see a hive, learn how to use the beekeeping equipment, and understand where honey comes from. Through these things, it will give them the chance to understand how bees are important to everyday life.
Create a Bee-Friendly Garden
Show children how to create a garden which caters to bee-friendly plants. Simply plant flowers which will offer beautiful smelling flowers and plant vegetables or herbs to use in your kitchen. This allows you to show the kids how to try to make a difference in the now shrinking habitat of bees. In the garden, you can have the kids help you build a home for nesting bees, either by leaving dirt available or by creating nesting blocks from untreated wood.
Getting kids involved in the environment, starting with bees, is a great way to have them understand the delicate ecosystem. Asking children questions about what they know, and then having them ask you questions will help create a dialogue and enhance learning. Use what they know and don’t know about bees to shape your teaching method and determine the best way to help kids keep the future of bees alive.
Credits:
Article submitted by : Karoline Gore
Butterfly image by https://unsplash.com/@ninjason
