At DYCLE, we are passionate about Terra Preta composting. Yes, we are adults who love worms! But we also understand that some children are terrified of worms and tiny insects.
Did you know that even kids who are afraid of bugs can naturally develop an interest in them? According to a study, more than 90% of children who were initially scared became curious and wanted to observe more when approached correctly.
This article introduces specific steps to help kids enjoy the joy of discovery, even if they dislike bugs and worms. Instead of forcing them to touch insects, we focus on drawing out their natural curiosity—potentially transforming their perspective!
1. Turn "Scary!" into "What’s That?"
When a child sees a bug and exclaims, "Scary!" avoid dismissing their fear. Instead, ask, "How did it move?" or "What color is it?" This helps shift their mindset from fear to curiosity. For example, using a magnifying glass or insect observation lens to watch a small spider spinning silk can make them say, "That’s cool!"
2. "No Need to Touch!" Start with Observation
If a child is afraid to touch bugs, that’s okay! Acknowledge their feelings: "You don’t want to touch it, right?" This helps them feel safe. Then, provide a way to observe from a distance, like using a glass case or an insect viewer. Watching a pill bug curl up when placed in a case can be fascinating. Even without touching, kids can become deeply engaged just by watching.
3. "Your Reaction Matters!" Express Excitement
Children take cues from adults. If a parent says, "Wow! Look how it moves!" kids may naturally get curious. On the other hand, if parents scream at the sight of a worm, children may also develop fear. Even casual remarks like "Dirt is messy, wash your hands quickly" can discourage interest. Instead, talk about insects' roles in nature, such as "What job does this bug do in the soil?" to shift the focus from fear to fascination.
4. "Mission Mode!" Make It a Game
Turning insect discovery into a game can make it exciting. Try saying, "Let’s find something moving here!" and carefully lift fallen leaves in a park together. The moment a child finds something, they experience a sense of achievement, fueling their curiosity about nature. Interestingly, even very young children can spot tiny insects that adults might miss. Celebrate their discoveries together!
5. "From Coloring to Exploration" Connecting Books and Fieldwork
If facing real insects is too overwhelming, start with pictures. Show them an illustrated book and ask, "Where do you think we can find this bug outside?" For example, looking at a ladybug illustration and saying, "Can we find this pattern outside?" makes real-life discovery more exciting.
Another effective approach is coloring. At DYCLE, we created masks featuring 15 different compost-related creatures, from bacteria to millipedes, called "Friends of Compost." We’ve seen kids who initially had no interest in composting become engaged after coloring and wearing the masks. One child even went back to check out a real compost pile after finishing their mask—something had sparked their curiosity!
6. "Just a Little!" Small Challenges Lead to Success
Touching a bug right away can be intimidating. Instead, build confidence gradually with tiny challenges, such as "Look at it for just one second," then "Open the case lid for a moment." A step-by-step approach—starting with watching for three seconds, then holding their breath while observing, and finally touching with a stick—can eventually lead to direct contact. Watching a friend handle bugs can also be a motivating experience.
Conclusion & Action Steps
Even kids afraid of bugs and worms can start by simply looking at them and gradually shifting their feelings to curiosity. By adjusting parental reactions and adding fun challenges, we can nurture a child’s "joy of discovery." Starting today, why not explore a compost bin, a park, or a garden together and see what moves?