Sparking curiosity and nurturing growth
In pre-prep we are learning to inquire and investigate. We are asking questions about things that spark curiosity and then seeking answers to our questions.
This month’s Nature Inspired Learning topic is Spring, and the Sea Turtles class has chosen to investigate the Life Cycle of a Butterfly.
The life cycle of a butterfly is on of the most magical transformations, and it is amazing for kids to witness and learn about.
Through the use of Inquiry investigations children are encouraged to make their learning visible to themselves and others.
Their depth of understanding is evident in how they respond to what/why and how statements.
- What do you think will happen….. why?
- Why did you …..?
- Why can’t we…….?
- How do you know this?
- Can you explain how you made this?
- How can we……?
“In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.”- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Our class caterpillars arrived on the first day of term, consisting of large Monarch caterpillar and several caterpillar eggs.
Throughout the day the children checked on the eggs several times and were surprised to find that 3 of the eggs had hatched.
Using the magnifying glasses the children were able to view the features of the tiny caterpillars and compare them to the larger Monarch caterpillar.
Each day we observed their development, gave them their favourite food (milkweed) and marvelled at how much they were growing.
Did you know
That a Monarch caterpillar grows 2000 times bigger in just 14 days? This was just one of the amazing facts the class discovered while using non-fiction books and the internet to research. We found;
- The time line of a caterpillars development and other caterpillar facts; then we
- Journaled the development of the tiny caterpillars; and
- Further explored the concept of a life cycle using the hands-on felt resources and visual props.
While we were observing our tiny caterpillars grow longer every day the larger one was going through a very different process, he was getting ready to build a chrysalis around his body and begin it’s metamorphous stage.
This event occurred right in the middle of morning group time. The children looked on as the caterpillar made a silk pad on the underside of the container. The caterpillar then twisted and moved around until it was encased in the silk.
“He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks”– The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Over the next two weeks
We will see the other caterpillars go through the same metamorphic process.
When they have all reappeared as beautiful Monarch butterflies, the class will release them into the surrounding bushland.
Keep a lookout on our social media platforms for a kaleidoscope of butterflies coming soon.
That’s all from Miss Patti and the Sea Turtles (Pingins).
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