Fall 2011 Newsletter

Helping Children Grow

Fox Valley AEYC

A message from our president…

I was very fortunate to witness the work of Mother Nature first

hand this summer. The milkweed plants in my flowerbed were host

to several Monarch Butterfly eggs. The children I care for over the

summer and I watched eggs hatch through my microscope,

caterpillars completing instars, caterpillars changing into their

chrysalis state, then finally emerging from their chrysalis. We

watched them pump the blood to their wings then flap them dry. We

gasped as they took their first flight not knowing if they would find

their way back to the Milkweed in front of my house to begin the cycle

again.

After observing this metamorphosis nine times it still amazing to

me. Such a tiny egg, even smaller then the head of a pin, turns into a

work of art. It reminds me of how children grow. So tiny and

helpless. They too go through many changes. We watch them “shed

their skin” growing both physically and cognitively. Sometimes we

may be impatient waiting for these changes, but they happen. And

while the Monarch caterpillar depends solely on the Milkweed for

growth and nourishment, children need so much more. As teachers,

childcare providers, and parents we have the responsibility of

providing them with the security of a warm and loving environment.

Accomplishing this is as simple as taking the time to listen, showing

compassion, giving a hug, looking at things from the children’s

perspective, or a smile. We all know much more goes into our jobs,

but these actions are an important component of being successful at

what we do. If you don’t do this already, take some time and give it a

try. Those little caterpillars will be turning into butterflies before you

know it.

Peace & Love,

Annelee Mascarella

President Fox Valley AEYC