We have been homeschooling for 11 years. Ever since our Ballerina was in Kindergarten. We have tried various methods of schooling, tried various curriculum, tried all sorts of things. One project that has stood the test of time however, that we have done every year is watch caterpillars turn into butterflies.
When she was in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and maybe even Grade 2, I just ordered a set of 5 caterpillars from a mom who was ordering for a group. But then either in Grade 2 or 3, by the time I contacted her it was too late and she had closed her order. She gave me the name of then science supply company and told me to go ahead and order more if I wanted to. So I contacted the moms in my school board to see if anyone was interested in ordering with us. I had MORE than enough moms, and so began our adventure of ordering caterpillars every year.
The caterpillars come in sets of 30, and need to be separated into individual cups where they grow until they form a chrysalis. I am not much of a bug person, and I remember that first year, sitting at my table with these cups of caterpillars thinking that I must really be a homeschool mom, because why on earth would I be doing this? LOL! Once they have formed their chrysalis they have to be transferred to a box where they can emerge and then they can be released outside. It is totally fun, and still interesting after all these years, so we keep doing it, it has become an annual tradition, signalling that our school year is almost over. And it really doesn't gross me out too much anymore!
The only problem we have now is that over the past few years we have had SO MANY extras, I donate some, sell some, give some, beg some people to take some - and still we had over 60 caterpillars to watch ourselves - it was really crazy! Next year, Lord willing, if we do this again, I will not order as many, but have a longer waiting list, because although it is neat to have so many to release, it is really crazy as well!
This is one box, we have had to release our guys more than once, as the box quickly gets crowded.
Apparently we have our own 'butterfly whisperer'. Princess loves butterflies, and was the least squeamish that she has ever been about them. She managed to hold 4 at once here.
Don't butterflies truly signal the end of winter?
The caterpillars come in sets of 30, and need to be separated into individual cups where they grow until they form a chrysalis. I am not much of a bug person, and I remember that first year, sitting at my table with these cups of caterpillars thinking that I must really be a homeschool mom, because why on earth would I be doing this? LOL! Once they have formed their chrysalis they have to be transferred to a box where they can emerge and then they can be released outside. It is totally fun, and still interesting after all these years, so we keep doing it, it has become an annual tradition, signalling that our school year is almost over. And it really doesn't gross me out too much anymore!
