Worms, snails, insects and spiders as well as other invertebrates are also known as ‘minibeasts’. They are creatures without either a backbone or an internal skeleton.
They are all around us and live in what are called ‘micro-habitats’. They help to pollinate plants, provide food for other creatures such as birds and reptiles and recycle waste material.
Teach your children about minibeasts using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Use the instructions in this resource to create your own pooter. Investigate minibeasts using this fantastic school activity that combines work in Science and Design Technology (DT).
- Use Julia Donaldson’s sequel to the popular book about a heroic ladybird with the children in your classroom. Try some of our cross-curricular teaching ideas and learning activities.
- Children love The Slug with the Silly Shell and we have lots of activity ideas to use with this funny book by Sue Hendra.
- Help students learn about pollinators and build soil fertility in an orchard with this, The Minibeasts, Habitats and Soil lesson idea from The Orchard Project.
- Try this lesson plan for a minibeast hunt with your class.
- Introduce your children to the world on minibeasts with this discovery pack for ages 5-12.
Resources
- Learn about minibeasts using our fact cards… a wonderful classroom activity and display resource.
- Use these posters to inspire learning about minibeasts in different ways!
- Use these display banners on your classroom walls when your children are learning about minibeasts.
- Learn about 40 different minibeasts and other invertebrates with these free posters.
- Discover different types of minibeasts with our handy posters!
Minibeast Facts
- Minibeasts are crucial for our survival: they recycle dead matter and waste products; they help with plant pollination; they are a crucial source of food in the ecosystem.
- They often live in what are called ‘micro-habitats’.
- Minibeasts are split into three main sub-groups or classifications: arthropods, molluscs and annelids.
- There are more than 25,000 different kinds of invertebrates in Britain.
Videos
What is a minibeast?
A short audio slideshow from the BBC that explains the different characteristics that make an animal a minibeast.
Running time: 2:45
Minibeast Adventure With Jess
Join Jess and explore the wildlife that lives on their doorsteps, beginning with caterpillars.
Running time: 28:13
Mini Beast Safari
Joe and Annie go on an amazing adventure in Longleats Pets Corner. They shrink down in size to get a close up look at the Longleat minibeasts and Joe looks for minibeasts in his garden at home.
Running time: 08:11
Books
Superworm
Who will come to Superworm’s rescue, when he’s captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard? Luckily, all of Superworm’s insect friends have a cunning plan…
Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell
Norman is a slug who longs to be a snail—if only he could find the perfect shell! He tries a tennis ball, an apple, and even an alarm clock but none of them feels quite right. Until one day, Norman stumbles upon a doughnut! What could be better than that? But is that sweet shell really the perfect fit?
Harry the Poisonous Centipede
Harry the Poisonous Centipede is the delightfully squirmy story of a little centipede’s adventures in the scary world of the dreaded Hoo-Mins!
James and the Giant Peach
James and the Giant peach is a children’s classic that has captured young reader’s imaginations for generations.
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte’s Web is a classic tale of friendship, bravery and some animal magic.
Let's Discover Bugs
Inspired by and featuring artwork from the animated special, this fun-filled guide to bugs is packed with information, activities and stickers.
First Book of Minibeasts
Through beautiful full-page illustrations accompanied by key information about each creature, this book is designed to encourage young children’s interest in the outside world and the wildlife around them.
Ultimate Bugopedia
This book includes everything a young fact-hound needs to discover the weird, wacky, diverse, and fascinating world of bugs.
The Big Book of Bugs
The book is divided into key groups of bugs, including beetles, moths, butterflies, bees, snails, crickets, grasshoppers, worms and spiders, all illustrated with scenic compositions
Links
- Explore this guide to minibeasts from BBC Bitesize.
- Take a look at this full A-Z list of minibeasts with your children!
- Read these top tips for a successful bug hunt from the Woodland Trust.
- Explore the world of minibeasts with this fantastic display!
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
