How might children’s pedagogical encounters with insects and arachnids contribute to multispecies flourishing? Many folks readily express concern for charismatic megafauna, but it is harder slogging when advocating for critters who are dismissed as pests or who pass without notice. Common world and environmental education scholars have researched the implications of keeping captive insects and arachnids in the classroom, visiting insectariums, anthropomorphic representations in children’s books and media, scientific study, and guiding children’s chance encounters (see reference list). Which approaches bear more promise for helping those who face extinction, extirpation, or harm? There is potential in enabling children to understand that these animals have lives of their own and offering children a chance to develop attentive relationships, but this is hardly a straightforward task for educators. How do we encourage respect and care not only for beautiful insects like butterflies but also critters that typically evoke fear or disgust?
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