SC KINDERGARTEN LIFECYCLE STUDY
Sea Cliff “Kindergarden” Culmination Celebration
Throughout the course of the school year, Sea Cliff kindergarten students dedicated much of their time and energy to studying the lifecycles of seeds, frogs, ladybugs and butterflies. Additionally, they learned how to grow and care for plants in the Sea Cliff garden. The integrated curriculum enabled the students to research and record facts including the parts of the plant, what a garden needs to grow, what the garden provides for people, and the lifecycle of animals and plants. They also performed many hands-on observations and experiments, discovered all about earth care, measured plant growth and rainfall, and learned related songs and poetry.
On June 13th, the kindergarten students invited their family and friends to a special “End of Year Culmination” held outside in the Sea Cliff “Kindergarden.” Dressed beautifully for the occasion, the students sang and performed many songs including “Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee,” “All I Really Need,” and “Inch by Inch.” Additionally, they recited related poems with garden and spring themes. Teacher Ms. Cunneen said, "My students worked hard, collaborated, and enjoyed the hands-on activites during our interdisciplinary 'Kindergarden' unit!"
During their months of study, the students learned the lifecycle or metamorphosis of a butterfly and ladybug. For example, the butterfly begins as a caterpillar, then changes into a chrysalis (cocoon), and then evolves into a beautiful butterfly! Similarly, a ladybug begins as an egg, then transforms into larva, then enters the pupal stage for about 15 days, until it changes into an adorable ladybug!
To conclude the ceremony, the teachers reminded those in attendance that the kindergarteners released numerous worms and dozens of ladybugs and butterflies into their natural habitat for everyone to enjoy! Many thanks to the kindergarteners, their teachers, art teachers and music teachers, and special thanks to the kindergarten families who generously donated their time and support to the garden!
Article by Shelly Newman Photos and videos by Principal Megan McCormack