Four weeks ago, the Hedgehogs Class received a special delivery of five wriggly caterpillars, we had the pleasure of watching them feed, grow and turn into beautiful Painted Lady butterflies!  

This week, we came back to school after the weekend to find all five caterpillars had emerged from their chrysalides!

On Wednesday, we prepared to release the butterflies in an area of wild flowers near our allotment. It was a magical moment for the children to see the insects they had cared for fully-grown, colourful and strong, ready to be released. For some of the children it was bitter-sweet, so we discussed how change is often for positive reasons that are full of new opportunities we wouldn’t have if change didn’t happen.  

The adults at school remember when our Hedgehogs had their first day at school back in September and now they too have been getting ready for an exciting change as they prepare to move into Year 1. 

We unzipped the butterfly enclosure and we watched as one-by-one four brave and eager butterflies emerged. A fifth appeared hesitant and nervous, Mrs Brock encouraged the butterfly onto a giant daisy and we got to see its long tongue as the nervous butterfly enjoyed its first taste of nectar. 

The children watched the butterflies have lots of ‘firsts’ such as the first time the butterflies felt the sun on their wings, the first time they flew outdoors and their first taste of flower nectar. The children were excited to watch the butterflies fly away and made predictions on where they might go and what they might do next. 

Miss Rashid’s themed joke of the week: 

Q. What happens when you throw a block of butter out the window?  

A. Butterfly