Following the excitement of Brendan The Bug Man’s visit, the children at Mickleover Nursery were buzzing with curiosity about all things caterpillars and butterflies. To build on this enthusiasm, we dedicated an entire Butterfly Week to learning, exploring, and celebrating the fascinating life cycle of these incredible insects.
The highlight of Butterfly Week was our very own “Grow Your Own Butterfly” kit. Each child had the opportunity to observe the magical process of metamorphosis up close. The kit started with tiny caterpillars, which the children watched closely each day. Excited little feet would run through the door each morning, eager to check on the caterpillars and look for changes.
To support our learning, we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a beloved story that helped reinforce the stages of the butterfly life cycle. The children delighted in following the caterpillar’s journey from egg to butterfly, linking the story to what they were seeing in real life.
We introduced key vocabulary such as "caterpillar," "chrysalis," "pupa," "metamorphosis," and "antennae," helping to expand the children’s language and understanding. This aligned beautifully with the EYFS focus on communication and language, as the children used their new words to describe what they observed.
Outdoors, the children became little nature detectives, searching for caterpillars and butterflies in our garden. They looked under leaves, near flowers, and along the grass, learning about the habitats where these creatures live. These moments not only encouraged a love of the natural world but also supported their physical development through movement and exploration.
Inspired by the beautiful patterns on butterfly wings, the children spent time in the art room creating their own butterfly masterpieces. Using paints, markers, and even symmetry techniques, they explored color and design while expressing their creativity. These art sessions also provided opportunities to discuss diversity in nature, as no two butterflies are exactly the same – just like us! We also had some beautiful smallworld play setups.
The excitement reached its peak when we spotted the first chrysalis in our butterfly habitat. The children watched in awe as more caterpillars began to form their chrysalises, marking a new stage in the life cycle.
After several days of patient waiting, the magic happened: one morning, we came in to find four beautiful butterflies fluttering around! The children were thrilled and took time to observe their delicate patterns and colors up close.
While we would have loved to keep our butterflies forever, we spoke about how they belong outside in nature. With care and kindness, we released them into our garden, watching as they flew away. It was a moment of joy and connection that reminded us of the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife.
To celebrate our patience, learning, and teamwork, we ended Butterfly Week with a special treat: making our very own caterpillar cakes! Each child had a role in the process, from mixing the batter to decorating their cakes with chocolate and sprinkles. The result? Delicious masterpieces that we enjoyed together after tea – a sweet reward for all our hard work.
Butterfly Week was a magical experience that combined learning, creativity, and hands-on discovery. The children explored the wonders of nature, developed new vocabulary, and practiced important skills like patience, teamwork, and observation.
At The Cottage, we are proud to create opportunities like this, where children can connect with the world around them in meaningful and memorable ways.
