🐛 Seeing Like an Artist & Thinking Like a Scientist: Observing Insects with Kindies
When we teach young children to observe, we’re not just helping them make better drawings—we’re helping them become more curious, thoughtful, and aware of the world around them.
And what better subject for observation than insects?
Insects are fascinating, tiny, and full of patterns. They’re also ideal for reinforcing early numeracy, scientific thinking, and artistic expression—all in one joyful activity.
4 year-old learner’s watercolor observation of an Orchid Mantis. He was able to correctly identify the body parts of this camouflaged insect placing the limbs in the corresponding body segments. He also observed the round versus claw-like differences in the limbs and that the head is a triangle with two “horns”. He placed this insect in context by painting leaves in the background observing the light and dark shades of green in the composition and he attempted to paint the leaf veining details showing awareness of patterns in nature.
🔍 Why Insects?
Insects are everywhere—on leaves, in gardens, under logs—and they’re the perfect invitation for kindy kids to slow down and really look.
They’re also full of countable features:
- 6 legs
- 3 body parts: head, thorax, abdomen
- 2 antennae
- 2 or 4 wings, depending on the species
When we teach kids to count these features, we’re building their number sense while fostering scientific observation.
✨ The Activity: Drawing from Observation
We began by looking at real insect photos and a few preserved specimens (laminated bugs are great if you’re squeamish!). I asked the children to be insect detectives:
“What do you see? Let’s look closely… even closer! Can we count the legs? How many wings? What shape is the body?”
We passed around magnifying glasses—always a hit!—and practiced observing, not guessing. Then we drew what we saw.
Some drawings had bold colors and wobbly wings, others had careful body parts and labeled segments. Every single one was celebrated.
🔢 Observation + Numeracy
As we drew, we talked and counted:
- “Let’s check—does your insect have 6 legs?”
- “Can you show me where the thorax goes?”
- “How many wings does your insect have?”
These gentle prompts weave math language into natural conversation, reinforcing learning through doing.
🎨 Observation = Focus + Wonder
Teaching observation through insects builds:
- Focus: slowing down to notice small details
- Language: describing, comparing, asking questions
- Numeracy: counting and identifying parts
- Creativity: expressing what they see through drawing
It’s not about perfect realism—it’s about learning to see with care.
🐞 Try This in Your Classroom:
1. Set up an Observation Tray:
Fill it with insect models, real specimens, or high-quality photos.
2. Use Magnifying Glasses:
Encourage quiet, focused looking before drawing.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions:
“What do you notice?” “What else can you see?”
4. Integrate Counting:
“How many legs?” “Which part is longest?” “Are the wings the same?”
5. Celebrate Every Drawing:
Remind students that every artist sees the world in their own special way.
💬 One Little Voice…
One child looked up from their careful beetle drawing and said:
“I didn’t know bugs had so many parts. They’re like tiny robots!”
And just like that, art, science, math, and imagination came together—through observation.
Whether you’re in the classroom, outside in the garden, or reading a book on bugs, take a moment to pause and look a little closer. You’ll be amazed at what kindy kids can see when we give them the tools—and the time—to observe.
