The Learning Center

The Learning Center offers two classes a week for first, second and third grade to support what they learn in their classroom in math, language arts, science, and geography. The class size is divided in half to allow for small group instruction using hands on activities, games and learning tools.

The second grade students, dressed in their pioneer clothes, came to class for learning Center on Friday April 15th to help set up the habitats for the new insects we got for spring and earth week.

Painted Lady caterpillars were only about 1/4 inch upon arrival. For 7-12 days they will eat and grow. they will then form a chrysalis and stay for another 7-10 days. We should have butterflies in early May. Here the students read directions to make the cardboard habitat and make food.

On Tuesday, May 17th, the first through third grade children and teachers, along with Principal, Larry White, witnessed the release of the Painted Lady butterflies into the prairie garden. The day was perfect with the requirements of at least 60 degree weather. We had some discussion about what they learned about butterflies. A prayer was then said for their safe release and five butterflies emerged from their habitat box. A mixture of water and sugar, along with flowers were kept in the prairie to help them with the transition.

The prairie has wild onions/chives and wildflowers, as well as insects that inhabit it. In the Learning Center, the children got to experience the stages of the butterfly's development and watch their metamorphosis into butterflies.

Releasing to the prairie was a ritualistic gesture to encourage caring for our earth and perpetuating animal life in our prairie.