.png)
Tips for Growing Monarchs: A Journey of Learning and Discovery in Homeschool
- Meagan Shahin
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
What began as a homeschool science project to study the life cycle of insects by raising monarch butterflies has evolved into a year-round tradition. It's an activity that delights all ages—my 2-year-old, 8-year-old, and 10-year-old all eagerly participate. They never tire of following me around the garden, observing and nurturing Monarchs.
What is it really like Raising Monarchs in Central Florida?
It's simple, enjoyable, and easy, offering tangible rewards for everyone involved.
If you're seeking an engaging activity that captivates children without requiring much effort, this hobby is worth considering.
Central Florida, with its variety of native milkweeds and warm climate, provides an ideal environment for Monarchs to flourish throughout the year. While other parts of North America see Monarchs in different migration stages, Central and South Florida offer a unique setting. Although fall and summer are peak times for Monarch sightings, non-migratory butterflies can be observed year-round.
Is Raising Monarchs Beneficial for Homeschooling?
Absolutely! Raising Monarch butterflies provides numerous educational and psychosocial benefits for children of all ages. My youngest son, along with our beloved cat, takes great joy in observing the fascinating process of metamorphosis as the caterpillars feed voraciously, grow in size, and ultimately undergo their incredible transformation within our carefully maintained caterpillar nursery. This hands-on experience allows them to witness nature's wonders up close, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Academically, my older children have gained extensive knowledge in various subjects through this engaging activity. The experience has enriched their understanding in the following areas:
Life cycles and metamorphosis: They have learned about the intricate stages of the butterfly's life cycle, from egg to caterpillar (larva), to pupa (chrysalis), and finally to adult butterfly. This understanding not only highlights the concept of metamorphosis but also emphasizes the importance of each stage in the development of these remarkable insects. They have been particularly fascinated by the changes in form and function that occur during this process, which serves as a vivid illustration of biological transformation.
Native plants and the pollination cycle: Through our butterfly nursery, the children have explored the types of native plants that attract Monarchs and other pollinators. They have learned about the critical role these plants play in the ecosystem and how pollination is essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants. This knowledge extends to understanding the interconnectedness of species and the vital contributions of pollinators to our food supply, making them more aware of environmental conservation efforts.
Habitats and migration: The children have delved into the habitats suitable for Monarch butterflies, including the specific conditions they require for survival. They have also studied the incredible migration patterns of Monarchs, which can span thousands of miles. This exploration has sparked discussions about climate change and its impact on migratory species, further enhancing their understanding of global environmental issues.
Research and descriptive writing: Engaging with the life cycle of Monarch butterflies has inspired my older children to conduct research projects. They have written detailed reports and descriptive essays about their observations, allowing them to practice their language arts skills. This process has encouraged them to articulate their thoughts clearly and creatively, honing their ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively.
Charting growth and data collection: As the caterpillars grow, my children have taken the initiative to chart their progress, measuring their size and documenting changes over time. This activity has provided a practical application of mathematical concepts such as measurement, data collection, and analysis. By creating graphs and charts to visualize their findings, they have developed analytical skills that are crucial for understanding scientific data.
In addition to the academic advantages, the process of raising Monarch butterflies has fostered a sense of responsibility and nurturing in my children. They learn the importance of caring for living organisms and the patience required to witness their growth and transformation. This experience not only enriches their educational journey but also strengthens family bonds as we share in the excitement and wonder of nature together. Overall, the act of raising Monarch butterflies has become an invaluable part of our family's learning experience, offering a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.
After we partnered with Monarch Joint Venture, a coalition of federal, state, and non-governmental organizations,
organizations, and academic programs that collaborates to protect monarch migration across the United States, my kids take pride in collecting data on the caterpillars and butterflies. My kids and I provide their data collected to Monarch Venture to help with their conservation efforts, so they see the direct impact their work goes to.
I've seen some cool skills developing in them, even without me pushing too hard. Sure, they sometimes get a bit distracted with schoolwork and need a nudge to stay organized or finish things up, but raising caterpillars has really helped them grow in some awesome ways:
Patience and observation skills
Responsibility in taking care of them
Getting involved in citizen science by sharing their data to help track monarch populations
For a neurodivergent group that has to put in extra effort on things like executive function skills, focus, getting tasks done, and staying organized, these improvements are a big win.
We used a glass terrarium (basically an old fish tank), a mesh reptile lid, and some trimmed screen to cover the top. We added sand, rocks, small branches, and little jars of water with fresh milkweed cuttings. We swap out the frass and sand every week or whenever needed. Every two days, we replace the milkweed with fresh cuttings from our outdoor garden. The older kids can handle all of this on their own.
Here's my youngest bug detective pointing out the wiggly little caterpillars in our nursery, plus a chubby caterpillar we discovered chilling in our garden.
Tips & Resources for Your Success
Create a Habitat for Monarchs at your home-Milkweed is Key.
Plant native milkweed in your yard, away from pesticides and areas with regular mowing.
Keep a Constant Supply of Milkweed to support the very hungry caterpillars.
Plant pollinating plants to feed and attract adult butterflies.
For a list of native milkweeds (host plant for caterpillars) and flowers that provide food for adults, click here-- Help Selecting Milkweed Seeds and Plants
Create a caterpillar rearing container/ nursery- Keep it clean and ventilated.
Monarch caterpillars can be raised in many different containers, including aquariums or mesh enclosures. (Examples included for reference and purchase. Links are affiliate links, and funding supports Busy Bee Homeschool Hive administrative and academic costs.)
The24" tall Butterfly Habitat with Poo Mat- Click Image to purchase 
Reptile Terrarium,16" x 8"x 10" Reptile Tank with Full View for Insects- Click Image to Purchase Containers should be at least 3 inches deep and have ventilated or mesh lids
Keep the container clean (remove frass regularly), keep fresh milkweed for food, and don't over-crowd the tank
Control humidity and temperature. If the humidity is too high, mold will grow on the frass and plants. If exposed directly to the sun, without proper ventilation, the caterpillars will die.
Release-
Once the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, allow it to dry its wings fully before releasing it.
Busy Bee Homeschool Hive Field Trips & Book:
Field Trips - Click below or explore all field trips HERE
If you want to enjoy observing Monarchs and other pollinators, join us. We offer field trips with other friends that include hands-on learning, activities, and exploration.
Curriculum, Letter Cards, & Book-
For those that are interested in studying more about Monarchs and other pollinators, we also have a book with activities n resources for all ages.
Comments