Roots and Wings Preschool

09/01/2026

This is a really cool event if you’re at all okay with bugs! Usually they have a working beehive you can see into, bug races, large sturdy insects to handle, craft and art stations—lots to see and do!

The Arkansas Insect Festival is coming up on Sept. 12. The family-friendly, free event is from 9-3 p.m. at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center (1335 W. Knapp Dr., Fayetteville).

Austin Jones, a Bumpers College graduate and instructor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, was recently a guest on KUAF radio to preview the upcoming Arkansas Insect Festival, which is Sept. 12.

It's on a Saturday this year so parents can attend with children for a more family friendly event.

KUAF interview:
https://www.kuaf.com/2026-08-25/community-spotlight-arkansas-insect-festival

More info here:
https://tinyurl.com/2v2s2n56

And here:
https://enpl.uark.edu/research/insect-festival.php



AG | FOOD | LIFE

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service KUAF 91.3 Public Radio Ozarks at Large Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arkansas Entomology Entomological Society of America The Bug Chicks University of Arkansas Division of Student Affairs-University of Arkansas Fayetteville Flyer

08/31/2026

Explorations and experiments today with the old-fashioned kind of tops that flip over when they get going really well! (More types of tops on the way—this group loves to spin! If anyone sees any Beyblades cheap at yard sales, please grab them for me!)

08/20/2026

Got hold of some native pawpaw to try for snack! (Which means I also have seeds—let me know if you want any to try growing a tree!)

08/19/2026

First, build a rocket. Make sure there’s fire at the bottom to make it blast off. Build a ladder inside for people to go up and down. Go to the sensory table shelf and get the space set because you need astronauts, not just people. Make a sky. NOW your astronauts can start catching stars!

08/14/2026

Mr. Eddie found a cicada for us to examine today! (Maisie was not interested at all!)

08/14/2026

Good window washers this morning—spraying water and using squeegees!

08/13/2026

Our front window has been a good source of investigation the last couple of weeks as we’ve been looking at insects! We’ve found a katydid, two walking sticks (one green, one brown), and a praying mantis (can’t find the pictures!)

08/10/2026

It’s a hummingbird! Authentic experiences (like watching hummingbirds at feeders right outside our window) help kids learn about their world. Look at how much analysis is in this play—red throat, slim beak, tail hanging down, wings moving in a blur!

08/10/2026

Reminder that Bentonville schools are back in session starting tomorrow—traffic will increase significantly! Make sure to factor that into your commute!