“I want to see! Let me hold, let me hold! “

The kids from the Happy Childhood Children Centre went wild when me and Kyra (a team of educators from Penang Butterfly Farm) brought out live colorful and cute caterpillars to their tiny hands to experience Mother Nature! This is the 2nd time we are meeting back the cheeky kids. Couple of months ago, they were at our farm participating The Enchanting World of Butterflies Nature Education Programme.

We were invited back to their centre this morning, thanks to Principal Yeoh who sees the importance of getting children back to nature through a balance of classroom learning. According to author Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods book on Nature Deficit Disorder, more children are spending less time outdoor resulting in a wide range of behavioral problems. Louv claim that causes for phenomenon include parental fears, restricted acess to natural areas and the lure of the screen.

Initially when we first arrived, the kids were sitting a distance away. We were so concerned that they couldnt view the Little Friends we brought along from the farm to share with them. Gosh, looks like we underestimated their enthusiasm and interest.

In less than 10 minutes, the kids were swarming us with their excitement to touch and pet the insects and reptiles. Other than just allowing the kids to touch, we were on all eyes, ears and mouth to make sure they listen and understand to our sharing of facts and making sure they take care of their own safety and also the insects and reptiles well-being.

Kids studying closely on how a dead leaf mantis feeds on its prey.

Why is the mantis eating so slow...I have observing for 3 minutes oledi!

Bearded Dragon go to School!

What a handsome reptile!

Excited little ones with the Giant Millipede

Toot toot train...millipede's coming...

Introducing the Mcleay’s Spectre, a look alike scorpion insect.

I must indeed share my pride and joy to the Happy Childhood Children Centre kids and teachers for having the love, interest and concern for these creepy crawlies and Mother Nature. This is a vision which Penang Butterfly Farm is hoping to spread to everyone out there.

Let us all Love Mother Nature and you will be loved!