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Springing into new life
With spring comes the start of many life cycles and the prep room tamariki have developed a real interest in learning about different insects, bugs and animals. We started by observing monarch butterflies flying in our outdoor environment and laying eggs on our swan plants. These were then brought inside where we could watch as the eggs hatched and caterpillars grew. The tamariki observed them closely as they began to build their chrysalis around them. Then the two week wait before they emerged as butterflies.
During this time the children started talking about frogs and tadpoles. We were lucky to find some and have them become a part of our class. Together the tamariki learnt about what tadpoles needed to live and found the foliage we needed in our outdoor environment. We then set up their habitat with all they needed. The tamariki watched them grow and develop through each step of their life cycle until they were the smallest yet cutest frogs any of us have seen. Although quiet creatures our frogs have become the starting point of many children day in the centre. Coming to say hello and ensure all 3 are safe and sound each morning is a part of our daily settling process for many.