Hello, Bud Families!
June was over as quickly as the butterfly’s life cycle! This month’s study focused on “Life Cycles,” specifically those of butterflies and frogs. We were fortunate to observe both cycles in real time, right in our classroom!
Our study began with the Buds learning about the four stages of the butterfly life cycle: Eggs, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, and Adult Butterfly. We received caterpillars that ate and ate. Every few days, we took a close look at their growth and soon noticed they were changing shape, resembling the letter “J ” (J Hang). Our friends observed that the caterpillars were now making their way to the lid of the container and forming chrysalises. It was now time to move them into their butterfly enclosure. We hung the lid with our chrysalises from the ceiling of their enclosure to avoid disrupting their development. Once fully transformed, they broke out of the Chrysalis and became beautiful butterflies! We then released our butterflies on the playground and watched them fly. The joy and engagement of our Buds in the learning process were truly inspiring.
We were very fortunate to have a Bud parent provide tadpoles this year to add to our aquarium! Like beautiful butterflies, frogs undergo an astonishing transformation. Their cycle begins with eggs that are laid in water. They grow into wriggling tadpoles and soon develop back legs, lungs, and front legs to become froglets. Finally, they lose their tails and become frogs. The Buds got to see this process up close, as a center display featured magnifying glasses to allow for a closer look.
Of course, we always love to add art to our learning, and this month was no exception. The Buds spent time making their life cycle diagrams, practiced spelling their names with “caterpillar letters”, and created frogs on lily pads.
In July, our focus will be on Community Helpers and the importance of their roles in our community. We will discuss firefighters, police officers, mail carriers, construction workers, doctors, and nurses!
We are quickly approaching the end of our time together as Buds and will soon be transitioning to Branchers! Our friends are practicing more independence with potty work, packing their nap bags on Fridays, and helping put away their cots.
We welcomed a new Bud, “Finn”, and his family in the middle of June. Welcome, and we look forward to getting to know you all.
Reminders:
- Growing Tree BBQ, July 15th! We look forward to seeing all of you.
- No School on July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July.
Best Wishes Always. Happy July Bud Families!
Ms Stephanie, Ms. Maci, & Ms. Gale
