Monarchs in First Grade

In Susan and Donna’s first grade we have been fascinated by the rapid growth of our tiny caterpillars, while eagerly awaiting their metamorphosis into the beautiful butterfly.

We recorded their various stages in daily observations and were thrilled to come back from the weekend to see two chrysalises and four more in the j stage, while the others continue to much away on their milkweed leaves.

We have been learning about the monarch life cycle and migration through a variety of nonfiction books and videos.

Our current story, The Travels of Monarch X, is a realistic fiction picture book about the true story of a tagged Monarch butterfly in 1960’s and follows it’s journey from Toronto all the way to San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This was the first time a scientist learned of the incredible distance these delicate and fragile butterflies travel.

First graders are already quite excited to track the monarch journey on our huge map of North America. Many are guessing what states Monarch X will fly through! We will record the various dangers Monarch X faces during its migration and mark on the map the states and countries it passes through.

Stay tuned for the release of the butterflies, which is expected in about two weeks!