Learning about butterflies in the classroom, especially when observations of the life stages with a live learning kit are possible, is almost magic for children. The growth of the caterpillars is obvious and children can watch as they moult and pass through each instar. The voracious appetite of the caterpillars means that plants are quickly stripped of their leaves and, if children listen carefully, the munching of the mandibles can be heard.
Many resources to support an early childhood science biology unit about butterflies in particular, or minibeasts in general, already exist in the readilearn collection; including:
I included suggestions for teaching about minibeasts, including butterflies, in a previous post Classroom minibeasts. While there are many minibeasts suitable to study in the classroom, butterflies are my favourite. This week the readilearn collection has grown with some new resources to support learning about butterflies; including:
Butterfly word cards is a collection of forty butterfly-relevant words which may be printed and displayed on a word wall or used to label a butterfly display. The words are presented in three different formats for printing choice.
The words include some fascinating scientific terms; such as:
- instar
- frass
- chrysalis
- prolegs
Continue reading: I spy butterflies – Readilearn
Norah Colvin 
Oh I do adore butterflies… they’re right up there on my list with hummingbirds! Wonderful to see them spotlighted here within an educational framework, Norah 🙂
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Thank you so much, Christy! Hummingbirds! I became fascinated by them when I saw a beautiful photograph of one, hovering over a flower, in a book when I was a child. We don’t have them here. One day, I’d love to see one. When my daughter visited the States a couple of years ago, she brought back a paper sculpture (not quite the right description, I can’t think of it at the moment) of one. It’s gorgeous.
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I love butterflies and what a wonderful project for eager young minds.
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Thanks so much, Michelle. Watching the stages of growth in a butterfly helps give children a better understanding of, and appreciation for, nature.
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I agree, Norah.
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I love butterflies. What great projects. You know there is a book of poetry I believe is called “I Spy Butterflies.” It has been nominated for a Cybils award under poetry. Loved it.
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I didn’t know about the book, Patricia. It’s a good thing title’s aren’t copyright. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for letting me know.
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