This week we spent most of our time learning about caterpillars and butterflies and doing a bit of work with the letter C. (Next week, things should be back to normal as we move on with our letters.) It was exciting because we got to see our caterpillars turn into butterflies. So, attempting to seize the “educational opportunity” I got to work. I saw these butterflies online and was amazed by how beautiful they are. I knew I HAD to use them somehow! So, this is what I came up with…butterfly matching.
You can save and print the butterfly pictures from here. (The photos are available to use for free and they are simply amazing!) Next, cut them in half. I glued the left sides of all the butterflies to a file folder and then laminated the right sides of the butterflies for durability and set them aside. I laminated the file folder (with the left sides only attached). Finally, I used adhesive velcro on the backs of the right sides. That way, the butterflies stay put once you find the match.
If you are studying butterflies, Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations has a list of some more great butterfly/caterpillar printables here.
Be sure to check out Preschool Corner, Kid Friendly Friday, and We Made It! Friday Showcase for more great ideas!
Sunshine Snacks
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The magnet idea is super cute!
You inspired our own version with magnets! Thank you for the beautiful idea!
http://havingfunathomeblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/butterfly-symmetry-matching-game.html
Thanks for the link to the Karen’s Whimsy Public Domain images. There are so many neat and useful pictures there in addition to the butterflies.
Thanks for sharing! We’ve been doing a unit on butterflies, and all 3 of my kids loved this matching game! We linked the idea to your page, thanks again!
http://canthaveno.blogspot.com/2010/10/butterfly-update.html
Abby-Forgot to mention that I totally do not mind if you link up to my blog!!!
Abby-It is a bit advanced for my young two year olds. So, for now, the 4 year olds get the most use out of, but it is not that challenging for them anymore. But, they still love playing with it and seeing the different designs on the wings. Even my 5 (almost 6) year old likes to play with it!
Hey Jenn! Do you use this with the 2 yo’s or the 4 yo’s (or both, lol)? Also, I would love link to your blog from mine with your permission.
Thanks for sharing!
Fun butterfly game.
btw, I posted pictures of my versions of two Mama Jenn lapbooks on my blog!! =) My three year old LOVES them!!!
I love you!!! lol You make my life easier (and more fun)! I’m filing this one away for next year when we do Apologia Zoo 1.
We are huge butterfly fams here so I almost like this better than the apples 🙂 I still haven’t made any file folder games. I know my kids owul dlove them.
I can see why you felt compelled to use the butterflies — they are beautiful! Thanks for the idea. I especially like that the whole activity is tucked into a file folder for easy storage and organization.
I love this game – what a great idea. I saved the link until when we are ready to do butterflies. Thanks for sharing your week!
what a neat little game!
what a really fun idea!
Selena loves butterflies. I hope to do the caterpillar/butterfly with her next year. Thank you for your inspiration!
I LOVE all of your cool file folder games!!
Awesome! Thank you for ALL that you do on this blog…really very inspiring! My boys and I LOVE butterflies, I am going to do this soon (when I get some velcro-lol)
shine on mama!