Some of us looking at this photo might cringe when we see the snake. After all, snakes are not the most popular members of the animal kingdom. But isn’t it wonderful to see young daycare children getting to know this snake up close and personal? Curiosity and eagerness to learn have overcome any initial squeamishness about this reptile. They seem to be charmed by the snake. And its handler is teaching them a lot about this slithery creature.
One of the lessons the preschool children learn is to appreciate the beauty of the wild kingdom. Just look at the fabulous patterns of the snake’s skin. Another is its benefit to the environment. Many snake species eat mice and rats, thus keeping the pest population in check. And some of those rodents could even be carrying ticks that carry Lyme disease, a double benefit for us. A third lesson is that a snake moving through your garden can leave its waste products behind, thus enriching the soil with natural fertilizer.
At Apple Hill Academy, we know that introducing daycare students to new views of the natural world around them is an important part of their learning experiences, whether they are “charmed” by their new friend the snake or planting seeds in the garden. #childcare #daycare #preschool
