Our children in Squirrels and Butterflies class have been experiencing something truly magical – watching Painted Lady Caterpillars grow, develop, and now spin their cocoons as they prepare for their amazing transformation into butterflies!
Inspired by our classroom favourite “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” we’ve been exploring life cycles and observing changes in living things. This hands-on experience has taught our children valuable lessons about gentleness and care, as they learn that some of nature’s most fascinating creatures are also incredibly fragile and delicate.
For many of our curious explorers who naturally want to touch and investigate everything, learning to “watch with their eyes, not with their hands” has been an important new skill. This experience has naturally fostered empathy, listening skills, following instructions, and patience – all essential developmental milestones!
We’ll share an exciting update when our butterflies emerge from their cocoons and we release them back into the wild!
Did you know? Butterflies play a crucial role in our environment as pollinators. They help transfer pollen between flowers, which is essential for the growth of many fruits and vegetables. Without pollinators like butterflies and bees, most of our favourite foods wouldn’t be able to grow!
More Fun Facts about Butterflies
- Butterflies can’t fly if their body temperature is below 86°F.
- Butterflies use the sun to navigate.
- Butterflies taste with their feet.
- Some caterpillars are brightly coloured to warn predators of their bad taste.
- Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles during migration.
- A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope.
- Butterflies have six legs.
- The fastest butterfly can fly at speeds of up to 30 mph.
- They were around during the time of dinosaurs.
- Some caterpillars are brightly colored to warn predators of their bad taste or poison.
Visit National Geographic Kids for even more facts!
Stay tuned for more butterfly adventures from our Squirrels and Butterflies classes!