Beginning in the Fall, Kindergartners participate in a
semester-long study of The Life Cycle and Migration
of the Monarch Butterfly. Students observe,
hypothesize, and are deeply involved in the magical
changes that occur for this truly amazing animal. In
addition to learning about the basic stages of the
life cycle-- egg, caterpillar, J shape chrysalis and
butterfly, they will also learn how to identify Monarch
eggs, investigate the anatomy of a caterpillar and
track the incredible migration route to Mexico.
We begin by visiting the milkweed patch in the CitySprouts Garden (planted several years ago by KO
children and teachers!). Together, we will harvest
milkweed leaves, feed the animals, and watch them
grow and change in our classroom habitats as they
enter the various stages. During the semester,
students will journal their observations and
participate in frequent, rich discussions that are
rooted in those observations. We also have
important discourse around how climate change and
deforestation (of milkweed patches and oyamel fir
trees in Mexico) have already impacted the species.
With this, students begin to understand how their
generation can provide a better level of awareness to
others as well as possible solutions to these
challenges.
When the butterflies have completed the cycle,
students will return to the KO garden for their official
butterfly release. Additionally, they share all of what
they learned through songs, journal entries, artwork
and shared writing during our Monarch Butterfly
Breakfast in late Fall. This year’s Butterfly Breakfast
was held on Friday, November 21st. The students
were amazing. The celebration was awesome!