The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.
– B.B. King

In the new Exchange article, “The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Dimensions Educational Research Foundation in Action,” one of the Dimensions Education Programs educators designed a project to respond to children’s interest in the life cycle of a butterfly.

It all started outside. “Today, while outside observing a worm, my friend Blair found a millipede and thought it was a baby worm,” the teacher shared. Another child exclaimed, “Butterfly! Butterfly!” sparking a connection: caterpillars, like millipedes, have legs—and caterpillars turn into butterflies.

The children decided to learn more, ordering five caterpillars and books to explore the topic further. On Day One, they observed the caterpillars and made their first drawings. “By Day Three of our observations, I can tell the children are excited to do this observation. I have also noticed all are more intentional about their drawings and watching the caterpillar’s movements.”

Naming the caterpillars brought them even closer to the project. “They gave our caterpillars names: Luna, Lilly, Mommy, Daddy, and Baby.” The children noticed changes, too. “What’s that stuff?” they asked as food transformed into pellets and webbing appeared in the jar.

The process wasn’t without challenges. Baby, the smallest caterpillar, was slow to form a chrysalis. “Will Baby ever become a cocoon?” they wondered. When Baby finally reached the top and attached, there was relief all around.

By Day Twenty-One, the butterflies emerged! “We had a front-row seat to the amazing emerging,” the teacher shared. Though Baby didn’t survive, the children learned about life and loss, saying goodbye with empathy and care.

Experience this journey for yourself with pictures and video! Read the full article here.