Changes: Caterpillars and Prairie Racerunners Alike

The Caterpillars Are Molting

Today was all about molting! We took our caterpillar friends on a journey through Writing Workshop and then discovered how their soft bodies grow so big that they have to break through their exoskeleton several times as they work to become the pupa. Friends learned about the various stages of molting and were then on the most attentive hunt for the head capsule (the caterpillar eats the rest of its shed skin). A few caterpillars did molt right before our very eyes today and we could tell because their legs and bristles become quite pale in comparison to their simple eyes. As we talked about this change, we stopped to reflect on how we have changed since kindergarten. Listed below are the responses from our Prairie Racerunner Friends.

Writing fantasy stories about caterpillars
while integrating scientific knowledge about the Life Cycle and our Caterpillar Guests

How Have We Changed Since Kindergarten?

Physical Changes

• I can climb higher spaces
• I have a different backpack
• I climb higher because I'm not short
• Now I eat sandwiches
• I have lost more teeth
• I can do flips off of high spots
• I have lost less teeth this year.
• I don't like ice cream anymore
• I was a lot smaller
• I pick more flowers now
• I am stronger
• I have visited more places

Intellectual Changes

• I am better at math
• I know the meaning of more words
• Now I read chapter books
• I am wiser with my choices
• I am more cautious...I don't fall as much.
• I am a lot smarter
• I am nicer to people most of the time
• I know multiplication
• I don't have anymore pet fish
• I know more about Bush Babies, lizards and snakes. 

Changes that Ms. Brooke Has Noticed in her Friends

• They use statements such as: "I have an idea...", "Here let me help you with that," or "May I introduce myself?"
• They are climbing on the play structure.
• They are playing with a variety of friends.
• They like fantasy writing
• They can identify a word, sentence, paragraph and all appropriate punctuation marks.
• They keep their room tidy and clean
• They use the calendar to answer questions about their year.
• They love to write MORE sentences than they are old.
• They choose Bone and Muscle food first
• They celebrate each other: lost teeth, riding a bike and giggle sticks
• They like to share their stuffed animals.
• They can read the sign-in!
• They can read the Morning Message!
• They write reminders for Ms. Brooke on sticky notes such as: get more tape or text message my Mom.
• Daily News is reflective
• They have grown stronger, taller, and wiser.
• They are problem solvers. 
• They are patient
• They know how to be friendly, speak their mind and get along with all of their school mates.