If I Were an Ant Activity and “Can You See Me?” Book Review

by Haley Bono

Sometimes in life we feel small, and this can especially be true for children. “Can You See Me?” by Gokce Irten, is a book about perspective. This book explores things that are really small, as well as things that are large, and explains how a small thing might be large to something else. It offers some fun comparisons, such as how high a flea can jump, or how much an ant can carry.

It is a great way to introduce the concept of perspective to children, and how a change in perspective can help us not feel as small. This ability to look outside a problem, helps with emotional regulation, and encourages children to problem solve. The book is also riddled with fun and interesting facts about the world around us.

I found this book at my local library, so that is an excellent place to check. I also recommend checking out your local bookstore. You can also buy the book from Amazon by clicking here.

Did you know an ant can carry up to 50X their body weight? That would be like a 3-year-old carrying 1500 lbs! Here is a fun activity showing some of the things you may be able to carry if you were as strong as an ant.

Supplies:

Free activity template (there will be a download at the end of the post), something to color with, scissors, glue, something to draw with (optional), scale (optional).

Directions:

1. Color each page of the template.
2. Cut out the basket and 3 pictures of items. An average 3-year-old weighs about 30lbs. An average 4-year-old weighs about 40lbs. The three pictures show 50X 30lbs, 50X 35lbs, and 50X 40lbs.
3. Fold the tabs down on the basket, and place a small amount of glue on them. Glue the top of the basket to the back of the basket.
4. Now you can place the items in the basket, showing how much your little one’s could carry if they were an ant.

Different Variations:

• If you are working with older kids, you can help them work through the math equation. First have them stand on the scale (you can skip this step and just look up the average weight for their age). Write this number down and then times that number by 50. The total is the amount of weight they would be able to carry if they were an ant. You can look up some comparisons, and use the blank template, for them to draw their own pictures of what they would be able to carry.