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‘Ladybug Love’

Tots explore, learn about animal friends at Zoo Tot classes

Submitted Photo Twins Dex, front, and Lenna Ryan, both 2 and from Surrey, decorate rice cakes like ladybugs during a “Ladybug Love” class held at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot this week.

Children attending “Ladybug Love” Zoo Tot classes at Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo Thursday and Friday created a treat while learning about animals.

“It was a great class,” said Nicole Barnhart, education, conservation and outreach coordinator for the zoo. “We met a tarantula and compared it to a ladybug, noticing things that were the same and things that are different.

She said they also made ladybug hats and ladybug treats. “The treat was made out of rice cake, with frosting the kids mixed red, Oreos for the head, chocolate Twizzlers for the legs and wing, and chocolate chips for the spots,” Barnhart said.

Each class averaged 10 children plus parents.

Zoo Tot classes gives parents and children the opportunity to explore and learn about animal friends. The classes combine an “on your own exploratory” playtime with crafts, sensory bins and educational stations, along with structured circle time, sing-a-long and an animal encounter. Play activities are incorporated into each Zoo Tot class to foster science learning by encouraging observation, exploration, and discovery, according to the zoo’s website.

Submitted Photo Sullivan Speight, 2, Minot Air Force Base, gets an upclose look at a tarantula at a “Ladybug Love” Zoo Tots class at Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo this week.

Zoo Tot classes are scheduled through April. For more information visit the zoo’s website at rpzoo.com or call the zoo at 857-4166.

Submitted Photo Nicole Barnhart, left, education, conservation and outreach coordinator at Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo reads “Are You A Ladybug?” to Isabelle Driver, right, 3, Minot Air Force Base, and other children attending a “Ladybug Love” Zoo Tots class this week.

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