Bug Love: Why Insects Matter for Little Explorers

If you’ve ever watched a toddler crouch down to follow an ant trail or gently poke a roly-poly in their palm, you already know: kids are naturally drawn to bugs.

At Tiny Green Learning, we believe these small moments of wonder matter. Exploring insects with young children isn’t just cute, it’s developmentally powerful. It builds curiosity, empathy, and a deep connection to the living world right under our feet.

Insects are perfect teachers for early learners. They’re everywhere, easy to observe, and totally fascinating! Whether it's a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly or the busy determination of a bumblebee, at Tiny Green Learning we understand that slowing down to notice the insects around us helps our children  grow into curious and caring environmental  stewards. 

A 2023 peer-reviewed study found that outdoor insect exploration helped kids develop more positive attitudes toward insects and a stronger understanding of their importance to ecosystems (Sitar & Rusu, 2023). That means fewer “ewws” and more “ooohs!”, along with a greater appreciation for pollinators, decomposers, and all the buzzy beings in between.

Plus, it’s a win for science learning! Observing bugs supports early STEM skills like pattern recognition, questioning, and even data collection (How many legs? What colors? Where do they live?). Add a nature journal or some bug-themed storytelling, and you're weaving in literacy and art too.

So next time you’re outside, follow your child’s lead. Peek under a log. Watch a bumblebee bounce between blooms. Let them ask questions. Let them wonder.

Because when kids learn to love bugs, they’re really learning to love the planet.

Peer-reviewed source: Sitar, G.-M., & Rusu, A. S. (2023). The Impact of Environmental Educational Programs in Promoting Insects Conservation Awareness: A Scoping Review. ResearchGate link