A Butterfly Is Born!

Life cycles are one of the major themes in the kindergarten year. We began our investigation by observing and formulating questions about butterflies. We have been lucky to be able to observe live monarch caterpillars in our classroom. After caring for them for several days, our caterpillars continued their life cycle by turning into a chrysalis, then 10 days later, we were rewarded with a butterfly. We tagged the butterfly in order to help others learn more about butterfly migration, then let it go. We have one more monarch chrysalis and three painted ladies that will emerge soon. Ask your child to share more about our learning!

Painted lady caterpillars form a "J" shape in preparation for the chrysalis phase of their life cycle.

The monarch butterfly.

Off goes the butterfly!