What we learned on our spring break

Unfortunately, the chrysalis was very close to the terrarium opening, and when the butterfly emerged one of its wings was badly damaged. Of course, we were alarmed but quickly realized this would be an incredible opportunity to speak with the children about similarities and differences in living creatures. Teachers carefully showed them the butterfly, asking the girls what they saw. Immediately, they noticed that it has only one wing, as by then the wing had fallen off.

 

Much discussion followed, mostly centering on the idea that although moving around, eating, and other tasks are difficult, the one-winged butterfly has learned to find success in all ways. We noted that people are unique, too: some have one arm, and others need to use a wheelchair to move from place to place; and some people have eyes that do not see, and others have ears that do not hear. It is critical to keep discussion simple but relevant as we teach two- and three-year-old children.

 

After this talk, we noticed them spending time by the terrarium to observe the butterfly as it moved around to eat some watermelon. My heart swelled a while later when I overheard a child and her mother discussing the butterfly. Mom had made a comment about the "poor butterfly" to which the child replied matter-of-factly: "It's okay, Mom. It might be harder for her to move, but she will learn how to get to the food."