Room 13 observed there were many White Butterflies flying around the school. As we know they like to eat vegetables and other kinds of plants. Our question was: ‘How could we attract other varieties of butterflies to our learning environment? The solution was to create a Butterfly Garden. The garden would provide an attractive element to the school grounds. Not only are butterflies beautiful, they are also pollinators. Overtime the butterfly garden will benefit the health and growth of other plants in the school.
The butterfly garden was made so we could attract butterflies and people can see the butterflies.
The garden needs plants. Plants need water, air, space, sun, and dirt.
Butterflies like nectar so we will need plants with flowers.
After researching which plants provide the best source of food and shelter for butterflies we purchased asters (purple), coreopsis (mango tango), echinacea (purple), pittosporum (little kiwi) and dietes (bicolour). The students buddied up and planting began.
I gave my plant some fertiliser so that it will be healthy and grow.
The plants will burn if the sun is too hot.
Mulch was put around the plants to keep them warm.
A hole was dug for the plant so it didn’t fall over.
Keep talking to them, water them, and give them love.
Give them water if it is too hot and the dirt dries out.
First my plant had one flower and now it’s got two.
My flower used to not have petals on it. Now it has pink petals. Alice
My plant has got wider and it has more leaves.
My plant used to not have buds and now it has got buds.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.
– Anthony J. D'Angelo
My goal is to provide learning opportunities that inspire students to be curious and creative. In a supportive environment students will explore, question and discover elements of the world around them.
Specialising in literacy education has meant I can support students to develop their reading skills. Sharing engaging stories with vibrant illustrations are a stepping stone to creating a range of unique artworks that are displayed with pride.
This hands-on approach is an important part of learning in my classroom. Students discover how words and numbers work using materials. They participate in science experiments, physical activities and creative pursuits. By accepting challenges, taking risks, making mistakes and problem solving students develop an understanding of their capabilities and develop resilience.
When I am not in the classroom I can be found in the garden. It is my connection to the natural world. The time taken to nurture and care for plants is rewarded by experiencing the beauty of flowers blooming and the taste of fresh fruit and vegetables. The sensory connection I have when gardening inspires many art projects in my class. It is important that students believe their ideas and opinions are valued and they have the opportunity to share their personal experiences. I believe that classrooms are successful when a collaborative learning environment is created by students, teachers, whānau and the school community working and celebrating progress together.
Comments
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May 14, 2024, 12:55 PM (10 months ago)
Excellent work room 13! I wonder how many flowers your plant has now Issy? We love butterflies at home too.
