Bug Unit: Part 2: Big Changes, Bright Colors, and Outdoor Adventures

Our Bug Unit has continued to blossom in the most exciting ways!

Our Caterpillars arrived from Insectlore.com

Over the course of a week (seriously, some of the kids were convinced they got bigger by the hour), they grew so fast, and surprised us by forming their chrysalises over the weekend. We’re now patiently waiting for our painted lady butterflies to emerge! In the meantime, we’re hoping to plant some flowers together so that when it’s time to release them, our butterflies will have a beautiful landing spot.

After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, we tried a colorful STEM art activity inspired by butterflies. The children used pipettes to drop colored water onto cotton rounds arranged like butterfly wings. While the final products didn’t exactly resemble butterflies, the process was full of creativity, fine motor practice, and lots of fun, and that’s what matters most!

Thanks to a generous OCFS grant, we’ve added some exciting new toys, and learning materials to our indoor and outdoor space. One of the most-loved additions is our brand-new light table. We introduced it with a simple but magical hide-and-seek bug activity. The children were amazed to discover bugs that only became visible when placed on the lit surface! With the addition of some colorful, translucent bug manipulatives, this quickly became a favorite way to explore light, shape, and color.

Outdoors, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect to set up our new playhouse also thanks to the grant, as well as our new climbing dome, The kids have had a blast climbing, pretending, and soaking up the sunshine. With the weather warming up, we’ve officially moved much of our learning and adventures back outside, including the sensory table filled with dirt to dig and get messy in. The outdoor play space at the new house is coming along. I think we should have it set up to act as our outdoor classroom really soon.

Our indoor bug observations naturally evolved into outdoor bug investigations. Armed with sharp eyes and endless curiosity, the kids have been finding ants, spiders, bees, flies, and even a tiny praying mantis. Each discovery brings new conversations and a deeper connection to the world around us. You have to look so closely to even see the praying mantis in this picture, which is why I was so surprised that one of the kids found it. Their ability to notice the tiniest things is always so amazing to me!

Unpacking the rest of our new materials from the grant felt like a celebration. Pure joy as the kids explored each new toy and learning tool. It’s been so inspiring to see how these resources are enriching their play and sparking new interests. I feel so fortunate for all the things they brought us. So much thought was put into the materials that they gifted us!

This second half of our Bug Unit has been filled with transformation, exploration, and discovery. Just like the bugs we’ve been learning about. We can’t wait to share the moment our butterflies emerge and take flight!

Stay tuned for more adventures as we move back outdoors to explore and enjoy the warmer months!

Warmly,

Ms Sarah

May the world be filled with beautiful, peaceful little children.

Book Wishlist

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Supplies Wishlist

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