Insect lifecycles are a central component of SMART START’s spring curriculum. The magic of metamorphosis is observed first hand in our indoor and outdoor classrooms.
Our young learners experienced significant stages in the lifecycle process of a butterfly, ladybug and praying mantis.
Read along below:
šš¦The first insect lifecycle to be completed was the butterfly. Classmates witnessed five caterpillar larvae grow in size each day at school before they spun themselves into chrysalises. After about one month, the butterflies emerged and were released into our outdoor classroom.
š Ladybugs were the second insect to fully reach metamorphosis. The tiny larvae crawled around their habitat until they transformed into pupas. About one month later, adult ladybugs were released into nature. Students were excited that both the butterflies and ladybugs flew off to lay eggs and continue the lifecycles.
š± Peers were most patient for the final insect lifecycle to be fulfilled. The praying mantis nymphs lived inside their egg case for almost two months before they hatched. Once out of the egg case, there were around 150-200 praying mantis nymphs to release outside. Unlike the butterfly and ladybug, the praying mantis undergoes incomplete metamorphosis. The process of nymph to adult takes an additional 1-2 months.
This spring science unit is always a class favorite. In addition, these lifecycle lessons can be correlated to the development that occurs throughout Early Childhood Education. Similar to the insects described above, each child learns and grows at their own, often unpredictable pace. Some can achieve certain stages or milestones in accordance with mainstream expectations while others may need additional time and assistance to flourish. Not all caterpillars spin into a chrysalis at the same rate or in the same way. However, if placed in a safe and nurturing environment, they will all emerge as beautiful butterflies.
