Painted Lady and Monarch butterfly Resource Packet
New England Biolabs Butterfly Exploration
Over the course of four weeks, Change is Simple delivered programming with the daycare students at the YMCA of the North Shore’s Country Road Children’s Center at New England Biolabs. The students learned about the life cycle of butterflies through crafts, activities, and games. They also watched as painted lady caterpillars went through metamorphosis from caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly!
The students created caterpillar and butterfly themed artwork and below are instructions, lesson plans, and worksheets for each craft! We’ve also provided additional resources including monarch migration videos, coloring pages, a caterpillar care guide, and more.
Explore our resources
Click on the images to access each resource (available as a PDF or webpage)
Butterfly Care Guide
Reference sheet for caring for painted ladies through their developmental stages.
Activity: Finger Painting
Students will work together to create a large caterpillar for your classroom!
Activity: Handprint Wings
Create unique butterfly wings using handprints with vibrant colors.
Life Cycle Coloring Page
Life Cycle Infographic
Learn all about the life cycle and migration patterns of Monarch Butterflies.
Activity: Paper Mosaic
Have students design a place mat with a paper mosaic caterpillar!
Activity: Stained Glass
Transparent wings can help butterflies blend in, design your own butterfly in this craft!
Detailed Caterpillar and Butterfly Coloring Page
Video Resources
Learn about Monarchs, including what they eat, where they migrate, and more!
Activity: Patterns in Nature
Explore the importance of patterns in a caterpillars life with this fun painting craft!
Activity: Symmetrical Wing
Discover the importance of symmetry in butterfly wings!
