Insect Lore Butterflies 2016

It is no secret that our family loves Insect Lore butterflies, and the amazing life cycle unit studies they help us to create. Sometimes though, our lesson takes a sudden turn in a direction we didn’t expect.

See Exhibit A:

The story behind Zephyr the Butterfly? Well, here is the official Instagram caption:

“This little trooper will be one fierce butterfly if he ever emerges. Long story: All 5 caterpillars became chrysalises on the same day. Four emerged within minutes of each other and today they needed to go free. This little guy had fallen to the bottom and we didn’t believe he was alive so we laid him on the table as we watched the others leave. 🍃🐛🍃 Well, to our amazement he began to wiggle! Excitedly the children gathered around! The littlest little stared intently. “Fly fly!” Then, with one swift horrifying motion, she swiped him off the table and onto the ground. 😱😭 I now have a 5yo crying, a 3yo who thinks it’s hilarious, and the culprit (1yo) wants me to be proud she “shoe him, no” (didn’t also step on him). Oy. Vey.”

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Our Homeschool Win

“On the bright side”, you ask? We got to discuss again the importance of not touching a chrystalis we come across because of how delicate they can be, the kids got an up close glance at what might be going on inside the chrystalis, and we had an opportunity to ponder how our actions affect nature. This is an extremely productive homeschool day in my opinion!

Before the mayhem struck, the littles got to watch as our butterflies slowly made their way out of the insect home we used this year instead of the butterfly habitat. (Note to self: find that net.)

For the second year in a row, we were fortunate enough to have one butterfly choose to land on our hands and stick around for a while. It’s always so special when one does this! Check out the gorgeous orange coloring on the wings and try imagining the wonder of these moments for a young child. Our girls’ eyes always light up as they watch the wings flapping on their palm. These are by far some of my favorite memories in the making!

Insect Lore Traditions

Butterflies are an annual event in our household and we look forward to it all year long. The kids already want to know how long before we order a new set of caterpillars and the insect home is looking rather sad. Maybe we’ll have to up our game next year! 😉 (We did in fact up our game and added praying mantises to the mix!)

Ready to experience the beauty of life cycle transformations? We recommend stating out with a caterpillar kit or lady bug land. Need help coming up with a lesson plan? Check out Educents for some great ideas (they even have full unit studies available) and be sure to pair it with National Geographic’s Bug-opedia!