CU 5.06Animal Life Cycles: Butterfly and Frog
The child observes and sequences the life cycles of the butterfly and the frog.
Presentation
- 1
Show the caterpillars in the habitat: 'These are caterpillars. They will change.'
- 2
Lay out the butterfly life cycle figures in a circle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Name each.
- 3
Observe the caterpillars daily and draw what you see.
- 4
When chrysalises form, move to the next figure: 'Now it is a chrysalis.'
- 5
When butterflies emerge, complete the circle and point back to the egg: 'A butterfly lays eggs and the cycle starts again.'
- 6
On another day, present the frog life cycle with figures and photographs.
- 7
Compare the two: both start as eggs and change shape as they grow.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Sequence the cards independently and check with the control chart
- Draw and label a life cycle wheel
- Compare with the plant life cycle
- Learn the words larva and pupa
Control of error
The circular control chart shows the stages in order; the real butterflies show the stages directly.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Sequences both life cycles correctly
- Names each stage
- Explains that the cycle repeats
Guide note
Release butterflies only in warm weather and only if allowed by the supplier's guidance. Do not collect frog eggs from the wild; some Utah amphibians are protected. Use photographs, video, or models instead.