Teach Like a Butterfly Farmer

Late-Lee, while walking, I’ve been noticing  the butterflies flitting from flower to flower free, light, and beautiful. The other day I paused to watch one of them and remembered how much I used to love teaching the butterfly life cycle to my students. We’d read, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, observe caterpillars in jars, and celebrate when they finally emerged from their cocoons. We’d have a grand send off as we set them free!

And per usual, it got me thinking about the new school year which is now right in front of us. I’m not sure if teachers ever considered this, but as I reflect, I truly believe teachers are in the business of metamorphosis. And, when they carefully tend to those in their care, they have the most beautiful opportunity to not just grow minds, but to also grow wings.

When students enter your classroom, they may come in as crawling caterpillars who are unsure, hungry, and maybe a little guarded. But you have the power to unlock their potential and give them what they need to grow. In general, students need structure, safety, nourishment, and challenge to thrive. It may not look like much is happening on the daily. But remember, while a chrysalis doesn’t seem exciting on the outside, there is something powerful and almost magical happening on the inside.

That’s what great teaching does. Every question you ask. Every expectation you set. Every encouraging word you offer helps shape a student.  And slowly, transformation happens. Confidence takes root. Wings begin to form.

By the end of the year, your goal shouldn’t be for them to know more. Your goal should be for them to be more.

They should leave your classroom not just smarter, but stronger.

PS: Remember the Weed?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember Be Like the Weed, my reflection on resilience and grit. Weeds grow where they’re not supposed to and still find a way to bloom.

Butterflies remind us that growth isn’t always fast, but it is beautiful.

Weeds show us how to survive.

Butterflies show us how to become.