Carnivorous plants

Last year my son received a carnivorous plant set for his birthday. It takes a bit to set it up properly (6 weeks in the fridge among other things), and we actually only got one of the four seed types to germinate, but it has been exciting to watch it grow nonetheless.

Now, as the bugs are starting to appear around the house he has been tracking them down to 'feed' his plant. He trapped a fly today, and although he didn't get to see it eaten, it was an opportunity to view a fly close up. We examined the fly's parts and saw it eating off the inside of the cover of the terrarium.

I love this time of year as the world comes to life again and everything seems like a new discovery. Of course, you don't need a carnivorous plant to observe bugs. Any jar will do and can provide lots of opportunity for observation and discussion. It reminds me of one year we studied ants. We put out various foods for them to gather and watched them go to work. Even the toddlers and preschoolers amaze me with the thoughts that tumble out of their mouths when we slow down and just watch God's creation.

Of course, this always offers opportunity for Spiritual topics as well. "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" Proverbs 6:6.

Nothing like life, homeschooling, and God all coming together at once.