Butterfly Life Cycle Observation Printables – Preschool Science

We have caterpillars right now in my classroom, and I wanted to involve the students in observing the magnificent butterfly life cycle as scientists. We have been watching the caterpillars grow, but I wanted to make the observation more meaningful and involved for the students who are interested. I decided to create these super simple Butterfly Lifecycle Observation Printables for my classroom. Each printable has a spot for the observer’s name, the date, and a wide open area to record observations.

 

What is so wonderful about the structure of these observation sheets is that a child can write, draw, or do a combination of both depending on their level of development or desire that day. My students are very young, and I would have them help me spell and write their names, and I would narrate what I was doing while filling in the date. After your students draw the pictures take the time to have them dictate what they drew to you and write it down on their sheet. This simple act of dictation and recording is a powerful literacy activity. Children need to learn that spoken words translate to written words. This is one meaningful way to teach that lesson.

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Not sure where to get caterpillars? I got this set and LOVE it. It even came with live caterpillars! 

After you let your classroom butterflies go free, you can compile all the observations into a book. Laminate them, punch holes, and pop them into a binder. Preschool science is so rad!

Caterpillar Observation Sheet ( click here or on the image to download)

Chrysalis Observation Sheet ( click here or on the image to download)

Butterfly Observation Sheet ( click here or on the image to download)

 

Butterfly Life Cycle Book

From Caterpillar to Butterfly by Deborah Heligiman is part of my favorite non-fiction for kids series “Let’s Read and Find Out Science.” I always grab these books at garage sales and thrift stores. In this edition, you follow a classroom of students observing a caterpillar as it metamorphosis into a butterfly. A classic spring activity for preschool-age children to discover and learn about life cycles. Reading non-fiction with your preschoolers is important. It teaches them seamlessly that writing and reading are not just for stories but for information too.

More Caterpillar & Butterfly Activities