Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the role of praying mantises in the ecosystem, express their thoughts through creative art, and communicate their findings in a fun and engaging way. The student will also learn basic vocabulary related to insects and their habitats.

Materials and Prep

• Paper for drawing and writing
• Colored pencils or crayons
• Access to a quiet space for discussion
• Knowledge about praying mantises and their behavior

Activities

• Creative Drawing:

  The student will draw a scene depicting a praying mantis capturing a fly. They can use their imagination to create a colorful background and other insects or plants that might be in the scene.

• Story Writing:

  The student will write a short story from the perspective of a praying mantis. They can describe what it feels like to catch a fly and what their day is like. This will help them practice their writing skills.

• Discussion Circle:

  With peers or family members, the student can share their drawing and story. They can discuss why praying mantises are important and what they learned about their behavior.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that praying mantises are great hunters? They can turn their heads to see all around, just like we can!"
• "What do you think makes a praying mantis such a good predator? Is it their speed, their camouflage, or something else?"
• "Praying mantises eat other insects. Why do you think they are important for keeping insect populations in check?"
• "How would you feel if you were a praying mantis? What challenges do you think they face in the wild?"
• "Let’s think about the habitat of a praying mantis. Where do you think they like to live and why?"