Activity: Butterfly Sensory Bin and Transformation Collage

Target Age: 4 years old

Learning Objectives:

• Develop sensory awareness and fine motor skills.
• Explore the concept of metamorphosis and butterfly characteristics.
• Strengthen language skills through descriptive talk and storytelling.
• Foster creativity and self-expression.

Materials:

• For the Sensory Bin:
  • Large plastic bin or tub
  • Green and blue shredded paper or fabric
  • Artificial flowers
  • Fabric butterflies in various colors and sizes
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sensory items like pom poms, beans, fake leaves, pebbles (safe for mouth exploration)
• For the Transformation Collage:
  • Large white paper (one per student)
  • Colorful craft paper scraps
  • Markers, crayons, and/or paint sticks
  • Glue sticks
  • Picture of a caterpillar and a butterfly (laminated for durability)

Activity Outline:

1. Sensory Bin Exploration (20 minutes):

• Whole Class: Set up the sensory bin and invite students to explore it freely. Encourage them to describe the textures, colors, and sounds they feel and hear. Use descriptive language yourself, like “soft like grass,” “blue like the sky,” and “crinkly like leaves.”
• Differentiation for Brian: Offer Brian smaller scoops and containers to handle the sensory materials. Provide verbal prompts and model actions like filling up cups and burying objects. You can also sing finger rhymes about colors and textures together.
• Differentiation for Marisol: Encourage Marisol to create stories about the butterfly exploring the bin, using the sensory materials as props. Ask her to name the different butterfly colors and sizes and talk about where butterflies might live.

2. Butterfly Transformation Collage (20 minutes):

• Whole Class: Gather around the picture of a caterpillar and a butterfly, discussing the differences. Explain the concept of metamorphosis using simple terms like “caterpillar eats, grows, and changes into a beautiful butterfly.” Show students how to tear and glue craft paper to create their own collage butterflies.
• Differentiation for Brian: Provide pre-cut shapes for Brian to glue onto his butterfly. Assist him with tearing larger pieces and offer verbal guidance in positioning the shapes. You can also create a simpler butterfly outline for him to color or paint.
• Differentiation for Marisol: Challenge Marisol to create a detailed butterfly with intricate patterns and textures. Encourage her to tell a story about her butterfly’s journey through metamorphosis, incorporating details from the sensory bin exploration.

3. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes):

• Invite students to share their sensory bin experiences and butterfly collages with the class. Encourage them to use descriptive language and ask questions about each other’s creations.
• Reflect on the learning experience by asking questions like “What did you learn about butterflies today?” and “How did the sensory bin help you understand the butterfly’s world?”

Classroom Integration:

• Dramatic Play: Set up a butterfly garden area with play silks, flowers, and butterfly costumes. Encourage students to act out the butterfly lifecycle and play as caterpillars exploring the sensory bin.
• Art Center: Provide construction paper, paints, and glitter for students to create their own butterflies, both realistic and imaginary.
• Literacy Center: Offer butterfly-themed books for shared reading and independent exploration. Create a simple caterpillar-to-butterfly matching game with pictures or words.
• Science Center: Place a butterfly chrysalis (if available) for students to observe and learn about the transformation process. Provide magnifying glasses and butterfly life cycle charts for further exploration.