Teach Students How to Be a Hero for Insects at School
Insects and spiders often find their way into the classroom, and it’s important to talk to students about treating them with kindness and respect, just as we talk to them about the inappropriateness of hurting other humans.
Teach students that insects are conscious beings who don’t deserve to be killed in a moment of panic. According to a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, insect brains, although tiny, perform the same functions as the human midbrain—the ancient neural core that supports our capacity for awareness. Even the smallest animals with whom we share the planet aren’t mere automatons, and they deserve our consideration.
When students spot an insect or a spider in the classroom, call their attention to TeachKind’s Insect Rescue Poster! It illustrates, step by step, the procedure for catching and releasing an insect or a spider outdoors by using a cup and an index card or a thin piece of cardboard. Students will be exposed to the idea of showing acceptance, respect, and compassion for all living beings, including tiny ones they find indoors.
TeachKind’s Insect Rescue Poster is more than just a classroom decoration—it’s a powerful tool for cultivating empathy, responsibility, and humane values in students of all ages. Insects and spiders often wander into classrooms, and this poster provides a simple, step-by-step visual guide for safely relocating them outdoors using a cup and a card. By encouraging students to pause, assess, and act with compassion, educators can transform a routine moment into a teachable experience that reinforces respect for all living beings. The poster aligns beautifully with social-emotional learning (SEL) goals, helping children develop emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and ethical decision-making. It also supports science standards by introducing students to the idea that insects are conscious creatures with complex behaviors.
Whether used as part of a humane education lesson, a science unit, or a classroom culture initiative, this poster empowers students to become everyday heroes. It’s available in full color and black-and-white versions, making it easy to print, share, and integrate into any learning environment. By displaying this poster, educators send a clear message: kindness isn’t just for people—it’s for all animals, large and small.
Why not do a whole lesson on kindness to insects? Check out TeachKind’s Hey, Little Ant feature!
PETA also offers a humane bug catcher for quick rescues—check it out here.