Migrating Monarch Butterflies and Magical Learning Moments
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Imagine you are a paper butterfly going on an epic adventure!
That’s what the Symbolic Monarch Migration is all about. Every year, kids from the United States and Canada create beautiful paper monarch butterflies.
These “ambassador butterflies” then take a special trip to Mexico, just like real monarchs do! But here’s the cool part: these paper butterflies aren’t just for fun. They carry messages of friendship and conservation to kids in Mexico.
A world traveler
When spring comes, Mexican students create their own paper butterflies and send them north. It’s like a butterfly pen pal program!
This project helps kids learn about monarch migration, connects students from different countries, and spreads the word about protecting these amazing insects.
I’m a monarch butterfly!
Do monarch buttterflies migrate?
The class is full of kids flapping their arms and shouting “Mariposa Monarca!” That’s Spanish for Monarch butterfly, and it’s exactly what happened in our super cool wildlife/art programs.
First and second graders get to be part of not one, but TWO awesome pollinator programs. They learn all about how important pollinators are (like bees and butterflies that help plants make more flowers). They even got to pretend to be pollinators themselves!
And you might be surprised to learn ladybugs are pollinators. Intrigued? Learn more in our “Amazing Pollinators in the Garden“.
But wait, it get’s better!
The second program is all about Monarch butterflies. The kids watch videos of these beautiful orange and black butterflies flying, and learn why monarch migration is so important.
And did you know that male and female Monarchs look different? The boys have a special black spot on their wings!
Now, here’s the coolest part: Monarchs go on an incredible journey every year. They fly thousands of miles from the U.S. all the way to Mexico! The kids learn all about this amazing trip and even make their own butterfly art. Oops, I guess we just gave you the answer. So yes, most monarchs migrate.
But this isn’t just any art project.
As the class make a special “ambassador” butterfly to be sent to students in Mexico, they learn geography, culture and science. All while being creative with art. How cool is that? It’s like their butterfly is making the same journey as the real Monarchs!
Each kid also made their own life-sized butterfly. These will be sent to Mexico too, and then in the spring, they come back to a classroom in the U.S. – just like real Monarchs do! And we’ll be tracking them so the kids know where their paper butterflies ultimately land. What fun!
So next time you see a Monarch butterfly, remember: You’re looking at one of nature’s greatest travelers. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to become a Champion for Wildlife too!
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