Butterfly Life Cycle
There is so much wonder and excitement around the life cycle of a butterfly. From egg to butterfly, exploring this metamorphosis encourages patience, anticipation and reinforces that change is beautiful! Capture the magic of this transformation and encourage an inquiry mindset with this simple lesson plan and see what questions, observations and connections your little ones come up with!
Materials:
Target Age Group: Preschool - Kindergarten
Subject: Science, Play-Based Learning
Goal: Learn the stages of the butterfly life cycle through exploration and hands on learning
Estimated Time: 30 Minutes
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Start by creating a simple sensory bin inspired by the life cycle of a butterfly! I used split peas as my filler, some artificial plants, wood beads as eggs and then added a couple figurines to top it off.
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Grab your Post-it® Super Sticky Easel Pad and create a simple reference poster highlighting the stages of the butterfly life cycle and stick it to the wall behind your sensory bin to set the scene and encourage inquiry.
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Create a mini version of the poster using your Post-it® Super Sticky Mini Easel Pad and stick it to a flat surface beside your sensory bin so it’s easy for little hands to reach.
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Write the life stages (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly) on a couple of Post-it® Super Sticky Notes, put them on the large reference poster and get ready to play!
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Peel and stick the labeled Post-it® Super Sticky Notes onto the Post-it® Super Sticky Mini Easel Pad to reinforce the different life stages of the butterfly and to develop fine motor skills.
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Explore the elements of your sensory bin and match each of the components to the life cycle poster. This is great sorting practice!
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While your little ones are exploring your butterfly life-cycle invitation, sit back and observe the learning taking place. Record any questions they are asking to guide your next steps - this could be the start of a powerful inquiry unit. Most of all, observe the engagement that they are getting from this hands-on learning experience and have fun!
