We've launched our year long study of life-cycles this past week and spent some time today looking closely at one of our caterpillars that turned itself into a chrysalis. The caterpillar we observed last week has made its J and turned itself into a chrysalis. As we learn about the different stages a butterfly goes through, we'll be observing them closely in our own classroom. This particular study of life cycles is closely integrated in reading and writing. As we sing songs, read poems and mini-books, listen to nonfiction text and write about our own experiences with butterflies, we are bringing this science unit into all subject areas. INQUIRE with your child the new song they started learning (help them by beginning..."once upon a time there was a caterpillar..crawling around in the dirt"). Or, have them act out the 4 stages of the butterfly's life cycle.
If you're interested in learning more about the eastern swallowtail at home, check out this link. We've heard different information regarding how long it stays in it's chrysalis - if you know more, be sure to let us know. Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly
