Class learns about the life cycle of butterflies through grant

Jennifer Maudlin was thrilled to be one of the recipients of this year’s Giving Tree Grants through the Washington County Community Foundation. As a special education teacher at Salem Middle School, Maudlin is always looking for hands-on learning opportunities for her students. The grant allowed her to purchase caterpillars for her students to feed and observe through their life.

“From tiny caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, students learned about life cycles, responsibility, and the importance of nature before releasing them into the environment,” said Maudlin. “This meaningful experience brought science to life in a way our students will never forget.”

The students learned about science from watching the butterflies move through their life cycle of forming into a chrysalis and developing into a butterfly. 

“It was especially impactful for our learners, providing a visual and interactive way to connect with science concepts,” said Maudlin.

She said her students enjoyed watching the cycle and checking on the caterpillar’s progress every day.

“As a special education teacher, I strive to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that help my students connect to the world around them,” she said. “I chose this butterfly project because many of my students benefit from visual, interactive learning rather than traditional instruction.”

She added that watching this process gave her students a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

“One of my students, who typically struggles to stay engaged and has difficulty connecting to academic content, became fully invested in our butterfly project,” she said, explaining at the beginning he was hesitant and unsure of the project. He soon became the one who was checking on them daily and asking questions about their progress.

“He took ownership of feeding and observing them, and for the first time, I saw him excited to participate in a science lesson,” said Maudlin.

The student was eager to see the butterflies released and to talk to his classmates about the experience.

“This grant gave him a hands-on experience that made learning meaningful and helped build confidence, responsibility and a positive connection to school,” said Maudlin.

She said she is thankful for the experience for her students and the opportunity it gave her to make a real-life connection for her students.

Giving Tree grants are funded by teachers at Salem Community Schools through payroll deduction. The grant cycle runs in the fall and spring every school year.