Butterfly Life Cycle

In Science, we are studying life cycles. We started with the life cycle of a seed, and we now have our very own mealworms and caterpillars to observe. It's so important for the kids to have authentic experiences--this is such an easy way to do that.

Our science-planning team member found an adorable way to represent the butterfly life cycle. It serves as a quick assessment--to make sure the students know the four stages, and it's one of those creative projects where they can use a bit of artistic freedom!

1. Divide the plate into four sections

2. Illustrate

3. Use Acini de Pepe (peppercorn) for the eggs

4. The larva is Rotini

5. The pupa was a shell OR elbow macaroni

6. The adult butterfly is bowtie

7. Label

One of my most memorable college professors would encourage to always ask "Is it cute or does it count?" The temptation with elementary (especially the young ones) is to make a bunch of adorable projects, because they're so cute! This little project was a great way to reinforce the vocabulary, like larva, pupa, and adult. 

Ms. L

2014 Books

Even though I'm an advocate of the website Goodreads.com, I always have a running list on my phone of the books I've read throughout the year.

 

As I've mentioned before, I usually set a goal for a year's worth of reading. My goal for 2014 is to read 35 books, and at 19, I'm well on my way!

 

Here are some of my favorites so far:

 

(1)

 

This book had me constantly laughing out loud and tearing up. I was always running to my sister to read her something entertaining from one of Phillip Done's stories. He captures the daily challenges and rewards of being an elementary teacher. His second novel, Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind, is equally as heartwarming and funny.

 

(2)

 

"We don’t want to tell you too much about this book. It is a truly special story and we don’t want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this: It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific. The story starts there, but the book doesn’t. And it’s what happens afterward that is most important. Once you have read it, you’ll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don’t tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds."

--Barnes & Noble

 

 

 (3)

 

Firefly Lane was an easy read that really pulled me in. The characters were so relatable, and I just learned there's a follow-up called Fly Away.

 

Other notables:

 

In the Woods by Tana French 

Mortal Friends by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

 

 

--Ms. L