Exploring the differences and similarities between humans and other animals has been an exciting adventure for children as young as four and five years old at Ramsgate Arts Primary School.
To help them on their voyage of discovery Reception classes met a whole range of creatures when Jaws and Claws visited.
With the help of Ranger Phil the children came face to face with magnificent mini beasts including giant cockroaches, amphibians, reptiles and snails and they were able to touch, stroke and feel many of them.
They learnt about the animals’ similarities and differences to humans, their habitat, their favourite foods, and their special features.
RAPS Early Years teacher Sally Small said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our children and they learned a range of key facts about the creatures and how they differ to humans.
“As part of our All Things Great and Small topic work we have been learning about mini beasts, and we discussed whether the creatures we met were mini beasts or not and why.
“We loved getting up close to them and some of us were brave enough to touch them (or even wear them on our head!)
“It was a great experience to encounter living things so closely and we could use our learning to compare the different animals and their characteristics.”
Head of School Nick Budge added: “It was fantastic to see so many of them pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones when facing some of the creatures – they came away with a wealth of knowledge and interesting facts as a result of the sessions.
“Young children gain so much insight into what they are learning with educational workshops that bring to life what they are discovering in the classroom.”
