Preying Mantis

Preying Mantis 

Things that are CREEPY but COOL

This creature is truly CREEPY and COOL in my opinion!  I captured this lovely lady on our land near our cabin.  You see, a neighborhood child is collecting things that creep and crawl.  I jumped at the chance to help satisfy his curiosity and add to his growing collection.

The Preying Mantis is such a regal member of the incest world.  I read that the female bites off the head of the male after----a----you know.  WOW! That seems extreme. 

Nature usually works to somehow provide an  advantage to the situation.  I don't know how this particular instinct helps the spicies, but it must.  Nature can be, and usually is, brutal.

Survival of the Fittest

Lucky for me, survival does not require me to be the 'fittest' person in my 'habitat'. I am afraid I would be in trouble if that were the case.  

 Survival of the Kindest

That sounds better, but I am afraid that is not quite fitting either.

 Survival of the most Compassionate 

That sounds great--but definitely not what I see in my world.

 Survival of the most Willing

Willing to help, willing to give of time, willing to be available, willing to understand--I could go on and on. 

 Survival of the Smartest 

Now this one could be interesting? I am sure I would not be among the survivors though.  

I guess I am lucky that it is not necessary to be the best, brightest, most of anything to survive this world.  On the other hand though, being kind, compassionate, cooperative, willing and smart about things makes life so much more interesting.  As long as it is not a competition with anyone--even myself.

Montessori

This is a very interesting topic to relate to the classroom and early childhood in general.  A preying mantis is a wonderful bug to invite into your classroom.  The shear size of the insect is awe inspiring. So many insects are itsey bitsey--this one can be seen well without getting out the magnifying glass. They move slowly enough to allow behavioral observation.

Moving on.

Survival of the fittest.  I am so glad that this is not how our preschool children have to function in the classroom.  Although I am sure there are time on the playground when the 'fittest' child gets the upper hand.  It is our job as good teachers (or adults period) to protect the weak and guide the strong.  The weak need help becoming strong. The 'fit' need help to become compassionate and tolerant.  

I do love my job! It is so satisfying to have a positive impact on children.