Life cycles grab littles attention and curiosity.
Here are five great ways to help them learn about and experience life cycles firsthand.
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Why Teach About Life Cycles
Life cycles are witnessed every day.
Every living thing is in a certain stage of its life cycle.
Teaching about life cycles helps your little one to see the life cycles that are all around.
Some living things change so drastically during their life cycles that they look nothing like the beginning of their life cycle.
This amazes kids!
A butterfly starts as an egg, turns into a caterpillar, rearranges its whole body while in a chrysalis, and then emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
Bring awe to your littles by letting them experience this transformation firsthand.
Birth, life, and death are all discussed in a healthy way when talking about life cycles.
When you start having these conversations early, it isn’t as foreign when something happens to the family goldfish.
Your littles will be familiar with what death is and it may make it a bit easier to understand.
Five Fun Ways to Teach about Life Cycles
Life Cycle Printables
Help your littles to see each part of the life cycle.
We have already done the heavy lifting and have created printables covering many different plants and animals for your littles.
There is even an option for your littles to write if they are ready!
If not, you can write what they dictate to you.
What amazing reasoning and critical thinking practice!
Find the printables here.
Watch Them Grow Kits
There are many different kits you can choose from to help your littles experience firsthand the life cycle of insects.
Ladybugs and butterflies are favorites over here!
All the fun without the hassle of finding your own insects.
The best part is that in the future if your little one finds a caterpillar, you already have a safe house for the caterpillar.
Here are links to our favorite ladybug kit and butterfly kit.
Visit A Farm
Farms are amazing because there is an abundance of knowledge to gain.
Depending on the farm, there may be animals at all stages of the life cycle.
Most dairy farms have calves, young animals, and pregnant cows at the same facility.
To find a farm, you may be able to look up local farms that offer tours or ask around on social media.
Don’t forget that plants also have life cycles!
Going to a strawberry patch or local food farmer also helps your littles to see the different stages a plant goes through.
No matter which one you choose, be ready for a full sensory experience.
Read Books
There are so, so many books about animals.
Most nonfiction books about animals will have information on the animal’s life cycle.
These nonfiction little readers are great for giving just enough information to your preschooler without being overwhelming.
Get a Pet
Do you want your littles to be fully emersed in the life cycle of a special animal?
Consider getting a pet.
Not only does this help your little one to see the life cycle of your pet play out, but it also teaches your little one responsibility when it comes to taking care of the animal.
Life Cycles
There are many options when it comes to showing your littles different life cycles.
Try out a few of these ideas to help your littles make memories while learning.