On the road to knowledge with music for 3 to 6 year olds!

Today, we are going to discover the praying mantis.

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The lyrics of the two songs are identical, only the melodies are different.

The adventure begins with a story and discoveries for 6 - 8 year olds!

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📝 Quick summary of key information

Why does Maïa the praying mantis stay still for a long time?

The praying mantis stays still to hide. It blends into its surroundings, waiting patiently for its prey. This behavior is very important for its survival, as it helps it hunt effectively.

Praying mantises live in many places, like gardens, forests, and meadows. They love sunny spots with lots of plants, where they can hide easily.

It mainly eats other insects. With its camouflage, it can surprise its prey without being seen. Once it catches its prey, it eats it quickly.

The praying mantis plays an important role in its environment. By eating harmful insects, it helps to keep nature in balance. It is very useful for gardeners.

Maïa the praying mantis and the Game of Patience

Why does the praying mantis stay still for a long time ?

The Still Discovery

After finding out how the cricket makes its melody, Lili the ladybug and Gaston the beetle continue exploring the Giant Mushroom Forest. They spot a still‎ (1) shape in the distance and decide to get closer to find out more. Their curiosity leads them along a winding path through tall grass and colorful flowers, until they see Maïa the praying mantis who seems frozen like a statue.

Lili, curious, says:
« Gaston, look at this still shape. Is it a leaf or a stick? »

Gaston, curious, says:
« I don't know. Let's go closer to see. »

Soon after, they are very close to the shape. Lili and Gaston look closer. They recognize Maïa, their praying mantis friend. Maïa is still as a statue.

Lili, curious, asks:
« Maïa the praying mantis, why do you stay still? »

Gaston, curious, asks:
« You are as still as a statue. What are you doing? »

Maïa the praying mantis teaches them that sometimes, patience is the best way to discover nature's secrets.

The Game of Patience

It is explained that staying still is an essential strategy‎ (2) for Maïa the praying mantis's survival. It is shown how she uses her long legs to catch her prey‎ (3) with precision‎ (4).

Lili, curious, says:
« Gaston, look at Maïa the praying mantis. She hardly moves at all. »

Gaston, curious, then asks:
« Why does Maïa the praying mantis stay still? »

Maïa the praying mantis, with a calm and steady voice, explains:
« I hunt like this. I stay still. The insects come close. Then, I catch them. »

Lili and Gaston watch Maïa the praying mantis. She waits patiently. Suddenly, Maïa the praying mantis moves quickly. She catches a fly. Lili and Gaston are amazed‎ (5).

Lili, amazed, says:
« It's amazing, Maïa the praying mantis. You watch your prey with so much attention. »

Gaston, excited by Maïa the praying mantis's demonstration, says:
« We want to try too. We will stay still. »

As Lili and Gaston say goodbye‎ (6) to Maïa the praying mantis, they promise to come back soon to find more mysteries. Who knows what secrets are still hidden in the depths of the garden? Maybe they will soon meet a curious little mouse or a wise owl who can guide them to new adventures. On their way home, Lili and Gaston are filled with new knowledge and a renewed admiration‎ (7) for nature. They understand that patience and observation are precious tools for discovering the wonders of the world around them.

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