We have had a busy, but fun few weeks in Casa B! So many exciting things have been happening within our class from planting our own vegetables, hanging up our bird feeders to observing the Lifecycle of a Butterfly!
We had our Caterpillars arrive a few weeks ago and we were so excited. Experiencing nature as it happens is such an important part of the Montessori experience. We waited about a week before we noticed that one of our caterpillars had made his way up to the top of his container! The children were ecstatic, they knew exactly what was happening since we had been learning all about Butterfly Metamorphosis; Our little friend was getting ready to form his Chrysalis!
Our Leaders were especially excited, for now they knew it was time to prepare our butterfly habitat! Off we went on a nature walk, talking about the things our friends would need (and like) in his habitat. The girls collected sticks, grass, weeds and even some flowers and brought them back to our classroom.
We had our Caterpillars arrive a few weeks ago and we were so excited. Experiencing nature as it happens is such an important part of the Montessori experience. We waited about a week before we noticed that one of our caterpillars had made his way up to the top of his container! The children were ecstatic, they knew exactly what was happening since we had been learning all about Butterfly Metamorphosis; Our little friend was getting ready to form his Chrysalis!
Our Leaders were especially excited, for now they knew it was time to prepare our butterfly habitat! Off we went on a nature walk, talking about the things our friends would need (and like) in his habitat. The girls collected sticks, grass, weeds and even some flowers and brought them back to our classroom.
Then it was time to put our habitat together. The children felt we should place a vase in the habitat in order to keep the flowers fresh for our butterfly and of course we had to make sure the vase was thoroughly cleaned before doing so! (These children amaze me everyday. They have such amazing Montessori minds.)
We prepared the flowers, arranged them into our vase and placed some sticks and grass along the bottom of the habitat!
Lastly, we prepared some sugar water for the Butterfly to drink once he emerged!
...and FINISHED! Our perfect little butterfly home!
While waiting for our butterfly to come out of his Chrysalis, some of our children decided to paint what they believed our butterfly would look like!
On Thursday afternoon, while most of us were away at swimming lessons, our little friend finished his transformation and joined us!
WE WERE OVERJOYED!!
WE WERE OVERJOYED!!
On Friday afternoon, just before dismissal, we decided it was time to let our little butterfly free. Our butterfly was getting nice and strong and the weather had cleared up nicely! Although we absolutely loved having him in our classroom, we knew the best place for him was in nature! We gathered together, and carefully carried our habitat outside to our new Butterfly Garden (which my Spring has Sprung Friday Special made that day!) and opened the zipper. Our little guy was hesitant at first and needed some encouragement to join the real world, he even crawled onto my hand for a while, but soon enough we were able to get our butterfly perched into his new garden!
The whole experience was so perfect and beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. It was definitely one of my favourite teaching days ever.
I have and classroom full of caring, compassionate kids and I couldn't be prouder!
The whole experience was so perfect and beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. It was definitely one of my favourite teaching days ever.
I have and classroom full of caring, compassionate kids and I couldn't be prouder!