NATURE'S FOR ME: Take a Belly Hike

Mark off a circle, about one foot in diameter, on a patch of grass. Give each child a small magnifying glass and have each stand a few feet from the circle. Instruct the children to crawl to their circle while looking for signs of wildlife along the way. This is their belly hike. Most often the young children will claim that they saw no wildlife en route to their circle. Explain that wildlife isn't just dogs, birds and lions. It also includes small life forms like blades of grass, ants and spiders. Even small life forms need air, water and light. Finally, ask the children to use their magnifying glasses to identify wildlife in their circles. Suddenly a whole new world will open up to them. They will begin to develop a respect for these important, though small, life forms. Print and Cut out Badges!

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