What to do with this activity?
When summer is here, keep an eye out for butterflies. They get more interesting when you start to look at them closely. For lovely photos and great information see the Irish Butterflies website. Talk to your child about how a butterfly starts life as a caterpillar. Watch a video of a caterpillar turning into a monarch butterfly.
Each side of the butterfly is a mirror image of the other side. That's called "symmetry". For identifying butterflies the markings on the under-side of the wing called "under wing" are as important as when the wings are open. See how in the photo above of a Common blue butterfly, the under wing has quite a different colour.
Draw inspiration for colour combinations and painting from butterflies. Alternatively, you can use the butterfly templates here. If you don't have a printer, copy the pictures as best as you can.
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Why am I doing this?
Reading is like a muscle – the more your child practises it the stronger their ability to read becomes. Reading with your child, encouraging them and giving them space to read makes reading part of their everyday lives.
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How can I do more?
Talk to your child about which books they liked and what they think would be good to read next. Look out for other activities for your child’s age group in your local library.
Use magazines and newspapers for ideas, words and facts. Use the pictures as well as the words. Show your child different types of books - storybooks but also poetry and factual books for children, for example on nature, animals or insects. Encourage your child’s interest in reading about topics they enjoy, for example animals, music and football. Enjoying reading is the most important thing.
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