LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — First graders at Unity Elementary School got a hands-on lesson about reptiles during a visit from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.
Students learned about a native Ohio rat snake, a bearded dragon and a box turtle during the classroom presentation. The children also had the opportunity to touch the animals while learning about their habitats, behaviors and the role reptiles play in nature.
Naturalists with the park district said programs like this help children become more comfortable with wildlife and the natural environment around them.
The children also had the opportunity to touch the animals while learning about their habitats, behaviors and the role reptiles play in nature.
“I think that if we look at our adult population, a lot of adults are afraid of nature because they’re unfamiliar with nature,” said Haley Williams. “Starting on this small level with kindergarten and first grade helps them understand what’s out there and makes them feel a part of it, because we’re not living separate from nature. We’re living alongside it.”
The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District offers a variety of nature education programs for local schools. Teachers interested in bringing a program into their classroom can contact the park district here.
