Over the past few weeks, the children at Blue Windmill have been part of something very simple but quite special—watching our butterflies grow from tiny caterpillars, into cocoons, and finally emerging ready to be released.
At the beginning, the caterpillars were small and busy, spending their time eating and growing. The children were naturally curious, often stopping to watch them closely and noticing how quickly they changed. It gave us lots of opportunities to talk about what was happening, using simple language to describe growth and change.
As the caterpillars formed their cocoons, there was a noticeable shift. This was a lovely moment to introduce the idea that not all change is visible, and that sometimes important things are happening even when we can’t see them.
When the butterflies finally emerged, it was met with a mix of excitement and calm observation. The children were able to see the full life cycle unfold in a real and meaningful way, rather than just through books or pictures.
Releasing the butterflies into the garden was a gentle, shared moment. Some children watched quietly, some pointed and talked, and others simply enjoyed being part of it. There was no rush—just time to notice what was happening and to let the butterflies go when they were ready.
Experiences like this support so many areas of learning. Children begin to understand the natural world in a real way, developing early awareness of life cycles and change. There are also opportunities for language development, as they describe what they see, and for emotional development, as they experience care, patience and letting go.
It also reflects our wider approach at Blue Windmill—creating space for children to observe, to be curious, and to learn through real experiences, particularly in our outdoor environment.
We’ll continue to build on this through our gardening work and time spent outside, giving children more opportunities to connect with the natural world around them.
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If you would like to learn more about Blue Windmill Nursery in Rugby or arrange a visit, please get in touch.