During the last week of school kindergarten observed caterpillars forming cocoons and chrysalides. Since April kindergartners were responsible for caring for their own caterpillars, making daily observations, cleaning the habitat, and feeding them fresh leaves. We had firsthand experience with silk moth eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult moths just as we had with our monarch butterflies. We compared and contrasted the life cycles of both insects as we saw caterpillars shedding (motling), eating and growing, and spinning. We experienced the differences between wild caterpillars as well as domesticated caterpillars in two different types of caterpillar-rearing habitats. While we celebrated the emergence of a few moths before school ended, most kindergartners were still "waiting for wings" when school ended. Kindergartners departed for the summer carrying insect-rearing cups with silk moth cocoons and monarch chrysalides attached to the sides and lids of the cups.
The very next day when I returned to school to clean up the classroom, I unlocked the back door of the classroom and entered the quiet, still space where only 24 hours before we had said our end of the year goodbyes. Greeting me with brilliant orange and black wings were 10 monarch butterflies, fanning themselves in the terrarium at our research station. On behalf of the kindergartners, I happily released the butterflies with a hope and a prayer for a peaceful summer for all.
