Classroom pets and are increasingly frowned on in schools making the accompanying learning possibilities scant. Salmon enhancement projects are popular but require maintenance during the two-week Spring Break which requires a champion with school access and availability on the holiday. Raising butterflies continues to be a manageable option with many avenues for learning about the life cycle. Many teachers have mail ordered their butterfly kits and classrooms are awaiting their delivery.
At the most basic level, students will observe the stages of development from caterpillar through the pupa stages, culminating in the emergence of beautiful butterflies. Learning can extend to a better understanding of invertebrates, insects, the 22,000 known butterflies and moths species, adaptations, habitat, threats to the butterfly populations and possible actions to support the preservation of pollinators.
A study of butterflies in the classroom has the potential to make a lasting impact in our children and on the environment. Creating habitats for pollinators is finally on the radar of many countries. In Scotland last summer, there was a massive space designated as space for bees and butterflies along the waterfront in Ayr. It was not only functional with indigenous plants to support populations of pollinators, but it was also gorgeous. Heading up the road from Spanish Banks to the University of British Columbia, a small space for pollinators has been designated as part of a research project. The Arbutus Corridor bike route down by the Vancouver Demonstration Garden on Maple Street and community gardens in Halfmoon Bay on the the Sunshine Coast are also planning and growing Butterfly Garden with plants that are indigenous to the area. In order for these projects to be successful, there need to be mass adoption of some key take-aways.
- Different species of butterflies thrive in different locations with different host plants and food sources.
- Habitat loss, use of poisons to control weeds and insects that eat crops, in addition to climate change are the biggest threats to butterflies.
- Creating gardens for pollinators is a win-win proposition. Plants need pollinators to thrive and the habitat for pollinators is purposeful and beautiful.
The interest in bees and butterflies has resulted in an explosion of books and other information sources on pollinators. I have discovered a particularly helpful source to support teachers raising butterflies with children this spring:
Davidson, Lauren (2021). Butterflies for Kids. A Junior Scientist’s Guide to the Butterfly Life Cycle and Beautiful Species to Discover. Callisto Publishing, Naperville, Illinois.
The author is an entomologist who specializes in butterflies and moths and manages a Butterfly Centre in Houston. It includes a butterfly “stats” chapter that includes the following information on 32 species that can be found in the United States and southern Canada:
- Where and When to Spot the Species
- Habitat
- Wingspan
- Host Plants
- Adult Food
The book also includes a Butterfly Tracking Sheet. This knowledge framework supports children in going outdoors and paying closer attention to the world around them. It can be used to develop observational skills and inspires a sense of gratitude and wonder. If we can support students in asking questions that matter to them and teach them how to record their observations, engagement in learning is accomplished.
At University Hill Elementary School, I helped Joan Phoenix to get a Small Neighbourhood Grant to plant a butterfly garden. When her Grade 2 students went outside to release their butterflies, they were able to observe the butterflies making their way to their favourite plants. They could tell you the names of the plants the butterflies gravitated towards and why. They could tell you the importance of not using pesticides and that the butterflies were off to pollinate flowers so they could bloom. They could teach you all about pollination. They were the first to notice a rogue tomato plant had ended up in the garden. They could also tell you that they had done something good in the world. And they went home equipped to plant butterfly gardens with their families.
Resources to Support the Study of Butterflies in the Elementary Classroom:
Davidson, Lauren ( 2021). Butterflies for Kids. A Junior Scientist’s Guide to the Butterfly Life Cycle and Beautiful Species to Discover. Callisto Publishing. Naperville, Illinois.
This book focuses on 32 species of butterflies commonly seen in North America with a stats section with where to spot them; habitat; wingspan; host plant; adult food; and when to spot them.
Pasternak, Carol (2012). How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Step by Step Guide for Kids, Firefly Books, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
The author is a photographer and educator who raises monarch butterflies with her family in Ontario, Canada. Everything you need to learn about raising butterflies in 48 pages.
Animal Reads. All Things Butterflies for Kids. Filled with Plenty of Facts. Photos. And Fun to Learn All About Butterflies. Amazon, Bolton, Ontario.
An engaging informative narrative in 85 pages with many amazing photos. Targeting kids ages 6 and up.
National Georgrahic for Kids:
Marsh, Laura (2010). Great Migrations: Butterflies – Level 3 (fluent readers).
Photographs, maps, facts and a narrative to engage young readers.
Marsh, Laura (2010). Caterpillar to Butterfly – Level 1 (Starting to read).
Each stage of development is clearly outlined with photographs.
Heiligman, Deborah (1996). From Caterpillar to Butterfly. Harper, New York.
This picture book is a story about a butterflies being raised in a primary classroom. Great for classes that are raising butterflies in the classroom.
Dumas, Jessica ( ). How Expert – Guide to Butterflies. 101 Lessons to Learn Everything About Butterflies From A to Z.
Hutton Aston, Dianna & Long, Sylvia (2011). A Butterfly Is Patient. Chronicle Books, San Francisco.
This picturebook is intended to bring 5 – 10 year olds into the world of butterflies. Poetic language and detailed drawings convey rich content and an invitation to go outside and notice.
MacKay, Elly (2015). Butterfly Park. Running Press Book Publishers, Philadelphia, PA.
The author and illustrator, Elly MacKay, lives in Owen Sound in Ontario, Canada. This is the story of a little girl who is new in town and finds her place in the community in her quest to build a garden that will attract butterflies.
Mosco, Rosemary (2021). Butterflies are Pretty Gross! Tundra Books, New York.
This fun book is narrated by a butterfly with a sense of humour and a slew of disgusting facts that will intrigue those not captivated solely by the beauty of the insect.
Additional Support Materials
Butterfly / Bee – Georgie Porgy – 3D Wooden Puzzle
Bugs & Butterflies – Search and Find Puzzle – 40+ Things To Find, mudpuppy, 63 piece,
Inquire2Empower 