Leo's Colorful Story
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Provided by: New York DEC|Published on: February 14, 2024
Activity - ClassroomScientist Reviewed
K123
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Synopsis
- This engaging, hands-on activity brings nature into the classroom, with students actively coloring while listening to a read-aloud story.
- Students will learn the life cycle of a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly named Leo, who uses camouflage, instincts, and toxins to keep him safe as he goes through various stages ending in metamorphosis.
Subjects: Biology, English Language Arts, Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: NYSDEC Environmental Education
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Global, New York
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The resource includes simple and complex versions of the coloring sheet so teachers can choose the version that best fits their students' fine motor skills.
- The clear directions for the lesson plan and read-aloud story make this a valuable substitute lesson.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers may wish to pause the story frequently to check for comprehension and coloring progress.
- Students may have questions about the read-aloud story, especially the sections where Leo wiggled out of his skin and grew new skin.
- Students should have some prior knowledge of the word instinct relating to animals and insects.
- Vocabulary is rigorous for the age level, so teachers may wish to have visual representations of words such as forked, predator, camouflage, metamorphosis, toxins, and nectar.
Differentiation
- Teachers can assign shoulder partners for this assignment since the students can help each other find the correct numbers on the page and then offer encouragement for coloring according to the directions.
- Art teachers can begin with this lesson and then have students study photographs of other butterflies before assigning an art project involving acrylic paints.
- Science teachers will be able to begin a unit on metamorphosis with this entertaining lesson.
- After reading the story, consider showing students pictures of this insect in the various stages described.
- Students can research the impacts of climate change and human activity on the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.
This lesson for K-3 students from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation artfully combines storytelling and coloring to teach students about the defenses used by a familiar species throughout its lifecycle. The included story is based on science and shares a butterfly's different defenses against predators at every stage of its life. This resource is clear, engaging, and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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