For the past 15 years I’ve purchased baby caterpillars to observe with my students. When my son turned 3 I started bringing this activity home. So, every summer we buy our container of caterpillars from Insectlore (online catalog).
When the container arrives in the mail, the kids are full of excitement. The caterpillars are tiny. There is a layer of caterpillar food on the bottom of the container.
Then it starts to get disgusting. The caterpillars were so cute when they were tiny. When they get bigger, they leave poop all over the container and in the food. It’s just plain gross. Stick with me. I promise the miracle will happen soon.
Pretty soon the caterpillars start to hang upside down and a chrysalis forms around them.
Then, I moved them over to the butterfly home.
When the butterflies first emerge, their wings are crumpled. The dye from their wings looks like blood, but I usually just explain to the kids that it’s like paint for the Painted Lady Butterfly’s wings. 
It really is like watching a miracle. It never gets old and the kids absolutely love releasing their butterflies into the garden.
It’s magic, watching our ordinary miracle.
Here are a few linky parties I like to participate in:
https://homeiswheremystorybegins.net/linky-parties-i-like-to-participate-in/
The Comments
Stacey
That is one of the neatest projects. I have done the same thing with my classes in the past and with my own boys. It's a miracle right before your eyes. 🙂
Pam @ diy Design Fanatic
How cool is that? It is so awesome whenever kids can interact with nature. Not sure if you read about the 9 baby possums we found in our basement, but a friend of mine who is a teacher, borrowed & took them to school one day. All of the kids were fascinated.
the VG huis
Wow Becca that is just fantastic! I'm going to have to check that online bug store out for sure. My kids would love to do this!!!!
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
That is so cool that you do that every year. I am sure your kids will carry on the tradition with their kids.
Kristi
It IS a miracle isn't it? One of my sons teachers did this in the classroom as well and he loved it! He went to butterfly camp last year and loved that as well! Magical! 🙂
Kristi
Anna See
So special… and your photos are lovely!
koblenes
very cool!! Do you remember the company that sell the home? I'd like to buy one 🙂
homeiswheremystorybegins@gmail.com
> koblenesWe bought it through Insectlore.com.