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As members of the human species, you may estimate that children would prefer to learn about their own kind, without taking an interest in alternative creatures. However, they have not yet learned to distinguish between human and other things alive, and see everything living as natural kin. Therefore children usually take great delight in learning about animals, birds, and fish.

When presented with a plush toy animal, we are offering them an unloving form of something that is alive in another realm. This can lead their curiosity and imagination into exploring how the real version moves, eats, speaks, etc. They can then return to the play version and imagine it doing these things - their very own controllable version.

Often there are animals in the form of cartoons or puppets on television designed for young children. Once again, these are not the real thing, and lead therefore lead to a curiosity about the natural form in order to fully appreciate and enjoy the TV variety. Sometimes there are real animals on programs for youngsters, set to encourage their interest.

Many songs and rhymes created and used by children have animal characters involved. Many books also deal with animal characters rather than human. Obviously, with these images portrayed so readily, it is natural to want to know more about them.

With so many artificial animals being offered and the realization that animals are alive - just like them - children are equipped with an inbuilt fascination. They only need the opportunity to explore real living animals, for most to choose to do so.

Walking past a pet store is a cheap way to show your children about real animals. Often there are cute puppies playing in the window, fish calmly drifting about a tank, kittens mewing with cuteness, furry rabbits or chirping birds. Many parents find it difficult to get a child to stop watching these adorable antics.

A trip to a park will be an opportunity to observe birds in the flesh, or feather as in this case. Most children will learn about the ducks and geese as they feed them at the pond edge. They will be taught of the shape, sounds and peculiar personalities of each species. When a seagull walks up close and calls out during a picnic, they gain knowledge of such bird. Walking around they may spot smaller birds perching in trees, calling out in different voices.

A petting farm offers animals that can be touched and heard up close. A city farm usually has a goat or sheep along with chickens and rabbits to touch as well. A trip to the zoo offers strange animals, rare animals, and mysterious ones. Animals of unusual color and shape to stimulate the child. A circus excursion shows animals performing also.

A family pet is always there to observe and learn from. It is a part of the family, and further encourages a child to realize that humans are only one variety of many living beings upon our planet. Recognizing this fact will be natural and easy at that age and can lead into a respect and appreciation of all animals in later life. We offer so many opportunities and encouragement to our children that it is no wonder that children love learning about animals.

Learn more about this author, Sande Waybill.
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