Milverton Kindergarten turns butterfly sanctuary
June 2010

Young conservationists at Milverton Kindergarten rescued around 30 freezing monarch butterflies from the gutter outside their kindergarten last Friday morning.

Parents and children noticed the butterflies lying amongst leaves in the gutter.

Fearing the creatures may have been killed by icy conditions, children, teachers and parents scooped them up and brought them into the warmth of the kindergarten.

Once inside, the temperature-sensitive butterflies came to life and fluttered around the centre to the wonderment of the children.

When asked how many butterflies there were, Georgia Packer (4) exclaimed "lots and lots", demonstrating the butterfly house she'd created using a tissue box.

Milverton Kindergarten's swan plants currently sport three chrystalises and children have been learning all about the lifecycle of monarch butterflies.

Earlier in the year, driven by children's interests, teachers hired a Mini Beast kit from Te Manawa with insect-related information and hands-on activities to extend children's learning.

Above: Georgia with the butterflies rescued at Milverton Kindergarten