Description

The Child is never too young to learn.  During her lifetime of work, Maria Montessori discovered that young children move through a series of phases when they are particularly attracted to specific developmental needs and interests.  She called these times, sensitive periods. Introducing the Growth Process of a Butterfly Puzzle during this stage of their development, satisfies many of these different needs.

These beautiful, layered, wooden puzzles demonstrate the growth cycle concept, in real images. The series shows the passage of time with the development of the images. Each phase of growth is larger and requires more pieces to complete the picture.  The Child lifts each piece out of the wooden frame, positioning their right hand index finger, under the indentations.

Features of the Growth Process of a Butterfly Puzzle:

• the direct objective of this material:
  • to introduce the Child to the concept of the cycle of life
  • the Child gains a concrete understanding of the process of growth
• indirectly the Child intuitively understands:
  • the foundation of mathematics (grading, sizing and shapes)
  • their fine motor skills improve as they manipulate the jigsaw pieces
  • problem solving
• the oval shape of the wooden puzzles require focus and concentration to piece together
• aligned to the Montessori curriculum

Contents of the Growth Process of a Butterfly Puzzle:

• a wooden puzzle with four layers
• the bottom layer of the puzzle is blank
• an image on each of the following layers of wooden pieces illustrates the next four stages:
  • illustrates the eggs laid by the butterfly, on the underside of the leaf
  • caterpillar (larva)
  • chrysalis (pupa)
  • adult butterfly
• an indented finger-hold lifts each layer of puzzle piece.  This indentation must be on the right side for the puzzle to be completed correctly
• beautifully illustrated ‘real’ images explain the cycle of life, the process of metamorphosis

Size:  18 x 18 x 2 cm / (7″ x 7″ x ¾”)

Further Reading and Resources:

“He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” – The Absorbent Mind – Maria Montessori, pg. 24