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Posted: 12 Jan 2012 Posted: 07 May 2010 Posted: 20 Dec 2009 Posted: 03 Dec 2009 Posted: 14 Sep 2009 All Entries |
All Aflutter...AlmostWell...I never do things the easy way...but that makes life fun, albeit a bit messy. As far as I'm concerned, it a child shows interest in a subject, we will learn about it. Over the years I've become a temporary expert on jets, tanks, snakes, sharks, dinosaurs, all because a child led the way. Our eldest daycare student, Kyle, age 8, is now into caterpillars. It started about 2 weeks ago, when he discovered a very unique, extremely fuzzy tan caterpillar on our outside climber. He immediately became attached and literally adopted it! Of course he wanted to put it in a jar or a coffee can and "take care of it". I don't even want to think of the countless little creatures that have died that way, baking outside...forgotten in the hot sun. So, I suggested that Kyle find a nice home for the caterpillar in the oak tree that towers over the climber. I said he probably would eat that kind of leaf. Kyle was not prepared for the little guy to disappear amongst the leaves...He literally grieved for the rest of the day. Always one for finding a solution, I suggested that we order some caterpillars or google the kinds that are found in MD and look for some more. After two weeks, our Painted Ladies caterpillars came. We are even keeping cute little logs about their progress! Its a great activity for all of the kids. Yesterday the caterpillars started forming their chrysalids and will be moving to their new "digs", the butterfly house. The kids are excited, the moms are a bit grossed out, but tolerant! Kyle even found two more little black caterpillars yesterday! They were respectfully left outside at the end of our play time. We still check the parsley and fennel every day for Black Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars, but, probably due to those long weeks of coolness and rain, none yet. I think we should try ladybugs the next time... then I'll build up to being able to do the same with Praying Mantes, without screaming or making a face! I'm glad Aiden, one of the two witnesses to Jake the Snake, is perfectly happy with his growing collection of TOY snakes! This blog entry has been viewed 229 times
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FYI, Lulu, when I was little, I used to collect a few caterpillars from outside and keep them in a glass fish bowl with a wide mouth and a screen over the top, held with a rubber band. Every day I put a few wet maple leaves in there and they would eat the whole thing. There were sticks in there too for climbing. Eventually they would make their cocoons, and become whatever (usually they were moths) and I'd let them outside. I did keep the bowl inside. Remember to keep the top on even after they are cocooned... once I forgot and they came out and flew all over the house. I wasn't allowed to do it after that.... Just thought I'd share that in case little Kyle would like to see what one of the outside caterpillars is destined to become.
What a wonderful place for children to spend time. How lucky they are :)
That's a wonderful way for children to learn to love nature and it's miracles. Experiences like this just make the imaginations "take off".
I like you "building-up"-plan. Now I'd also like some photos of those caterpillars, chrysalis and butterflies please?
Droopy, I mentioned building myself up to dealing with praying mantes because one apparently rode around on my shoulder for upwards of an hour or so before I reached back to deal with a persistent tickle and grabbed it! It was respectfully put in a nice place outside, but I acted like a stereotypical girl and screamed first! I've been having people check me for unwelcome passengers off and on since!!!!! Login or register to leave a comment. |
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