Bug Monitors

A L.A school teacher created student 'bug monitors to rescue creepy crawlies and return them to the outdoors. When teacher, Melodie Conrad saw a student stomp on a bug several years ago, she knew that she had to do something. She created the 'bug monitor'. Now if any creepy-crawly wanders into her classroom, the student bug monitor swoops in with a paper towel or napkin, scoops up the critter and shepherds it outside. Her philosophy is "If you can teach a child to respect and protect the smallest and most maligned among us, you can help create better citizens who have compassion for others.'
At a time, when it seems that people have difficulty feeling empathy for others, this is a wonderful start at changing attitudes. I am sure that some teachers would have difficulty with the bugs but it is certainly worth considering. One of Melodie's students comments "I don't like hurting animals, even though they're tiny, they have an eco-system and it's a good idea to take bugs outside and to be kind,even though sometimes its creepy."
Children and others can learn more about the bugs on the website: whatsthatbug.com which offers information on which insects are harmless. Important information! Once we understand something we are more tolerant.
Maybe, I will find some of my friends who hide in the basement on the site. I won't take them outside until the snow is gone and with more snow arriving tomorrow, my household bugs are warm and toasty for awhile longer.