We loved watching and reviewing Fascinating World of Insects by BrainFood Learning.
I put this DVD in our van and we watched it while driving 4 kids to and from nature camp and the library this summer. {kinda hard to take pictures while driving around!}
We loved learning about these insects on the DVD: grasshopper, ladybug, rhino beetle, firefly, mosquito, honey bee, water strider, ant, praying mantis, dragonfly, and butterfly.
The video is very well-done to attract a wide audience. The cinematography is amazing. I love the slow-motion shots of the wings and close-ups of the mouths. My family was very interested and watched it over and over!
Here’s a preview:
Each “chapter” tells about that bug and its special characteristics. The kids learned important vocabulary like antennae and elytra that were in bold orange on the screen so the kids would remember them. They soak up these facts like sponges!
I was fascinated to learn that fireflies (or lighting bugs) don’t light up west of Kansas. So that explains it! I sure miss em.
My kids loved it so much that they wanted to learn more and we picked up books at the library and did some research. It’s a great catalyst to an insects unit study! And the kids have been really noticing the insects outside more now – especially bees, ladybugs, ants, butterflies, dragonflies, and grasshoppers. We had an ant farm in the spring and this was a great addition to studying that. I really think this video helped my preschool son overcome his irrational fear of all bugs. He’s almost ok with them now and will inspect them from a distance while playing outside.
We’ve also been fascinated to read about insects in Christian Liberty Nature Readers. The girls (ages 6 and 7) are quick to tell me what the DVD says and they love the affirmation from the book!
At the end of the DVD, there are two levels of games and quizzes. I was tickled to hear Alex (age 3) answer all the flash card and quiz questions from his seat while driving around! He’s advanced. There are flash cards, and review of the insects, parts, facts, and vocabulary. Love that reinforcement. Check out the printable curriculum to go along with it. We found plenty of insect notebooking online too.
The Fascinating World of Insects is $14.99 and is appropriate for all ages. Also, check out the other two DVDs in the series: Birds and Mammals. I want em all!
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