Today we had a remarkable experience at after school: we explored the world of insects.
Using a magnifying glass, we were able to observe the life of ants in detail. The children were delighted to see how these tiny creatures work together, building a perfectly organised anthill. A magnifying glass completely changes your relationship with an insect: until then, an ant is a black dot you step around; magnified, it acquires legs, antennae and a route that clearly follows some logic. Curiosity follows on its own, and with it the first good questions: how do they know where to go, who tells them what to do, why do they walk in a line.
We did not stop there. We built a miniature anthill to represent the ants' natural environment. The children used their imagination and recycled materials to raise a fitting habitat, and while they worked they had to think about their residents' needs: where they get in, where food is stored, how the tunnels connect. Modelling a habitat is in fact a test of understanding — you cannot build what you have not grasped.
The day ended with a painting activity, because art remains one of the best ways for a child to express what they have seen. The results were remarkable.
At PlusKids we work to give children chances to learn by touching, building and asking. And a day spent with a magnifying glass in hand shows better than anything why it is worth it.