Inquiring minds want to know...

There are a lot of curious minds in our Kindergarten class!  They have been so excited to research insects and this week we studied butterflies.  We learned about metamorphosis and the life cycle of the butterfly.

We've enjoyed observing the caterpillars change in our classroom.  They are currently in their chrysalis stage and within a few days they will become beautiful butterflies!  Unfortunately, we will miss this transformation but Mrs. Shen will be taking them home over break.  Depending on when they become butterflies, we may release them when we return from school or they will be released over the break.

They have asked wonderful questions about not only butterflies, but about research!  We've learned that we can read non-fiction books, watch informational videos, and use the internet as research tools.  While I was reading a book about butterflies, one of the students asked, "Where did the author  get his research to put in this book?"  I loved his desire to know more about where the information came from!  I then asked the students what they thought.  Another student replied with, "The author researched and read a book about butterflies and then wrote his book about butterflies."  Great answer!  This response led to more questions.  "How did it the first researcher write a book if he didn't have a book to read?  Who wrote the first book?"  WOW! What amazing questions!!  I could see all the wheels turning in their minds.  I let these questions guide a new class discussion and we talked about learning by observing and doing experiments as research.  Their curiosity sparked amazing critical thinking and made for another wonderful teaching moment.

As we've been diving into more non-fiction books we've learned about some features of these books like the Table of Contents, captions, and labels (Yes, in Kindergarten)!  We did an activity where the students found labels all over our classroom and then we labeled one of our friends.

After this exercise, the students worked together to find an insect they wanted to research.  They used Post-it notes to mark pages and pictures in the book, illustrated and labeled their insect, and wrote a few facts.  I encouraged the students to research other things they want to learn about at home.  When I asked them what they wanted to learn more about, there was an overwhelming response, "Leprechauns!" Uh oh...what have I started?!

Marking facts and pictures with Post-it notes

Check out the details and labels!

Look at Grant's ladybug facts!

Kai did a great job labeling!

The students worked on a butterfly writing and art piece.  I encouraged them to write whatever they'd like: fact and/or opinions.  Here are a few examples!

"Butterflies are pretty! They have wings!"

"Butterflies are fast. They have color. They have wings."

The students really enjoyed our insect unit and I've seen some students continuing their research at home. We have "Fun Friday" time on Friday afternoons when the students can play with math tubs, dominos, puzzles, read, and draw.  I found a few of them using their free time to continue researching and drawing insects from books!