Over the last few weeks, something wonderfully wiggly has been unfolding in Pre-School… A group of very hardworking caterpillars moved in—and they’ve been munching, crunching, snoozing, and transforming ever since!
At first, they were teeny and bristly. Blink-and-you’ll-miss-them teeny. But after a few days of snack-nibbling and plenty of cosy classroom chatter, they grew… and grew… until suddenly—chrysalis time! The children watched in awe as each caterpillar spun itself into a delicate hanging pod, looking very serious indeed about its next big job: becoming something truly spectacular.
We kept a daily beady eye on them, like tiny detectives on a very slow case. Then—like magic (very slow magic)—the cocoons darkened… and one by one, they emerged! Wobbly wings, tickly legs, and all. We were amazed.
The children quickly mixed up sugary water and added juicy orange slices into the butterfly enclosure to help build up their strength. After a few more days of wing workouts and fruity feasting, it was time.
With careful hands and excited hearts, we walked our new friends to the wildflower patch. The enclosure was opened… and off they flew—zooming straight towards the Ox-Eye Daisies. As the flowers were just the right height, the children had the perfect view to spot our symmetrical visitors as they explored their new home. There were giggles, gasps, and even a few whispered goodbyes on the breeze.
We think they heard us—because a couple of them looped back over our shoulders for one last fly-past.
So long, butterflies. Go forth and flutter fabulously!
