Read a book to your students about a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. One suggestion is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Discuss the book with your students, asking them what they know about caterpillars and butterflies.
Show your students a poster that demonstrates how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Discuss each step, then hang the poster where your students can see easily view it.
Show your students live caterpillars and explain that they are going to watch as the caterpillars become butterflies. Explain that it will take approximately 2 weeks before they become butterflies.
Show the caterpillars to your students each day and discuss the changes. For about 1 week, the caterpillars will double in size each day. After about 1 week, they will crawl to the top of the cup when and hang upside down to form their chrysalises.
Peel the paper from the lid the caterpillars are in once they have all made their chrysalises. Gently attach it to the inside of the butterfly habitat. Do not disturb the chrysalises.
Instruct your students to draw pictures of caterpillars becoming butterflies while they wait for the butterflies to emerge from their cocoons.
Watch the chrysalises for signs that the butterflies are ready to emerge. They will start to shake and you will see cracks in the chrysalises. Allow your students to watch as the butterflies emerge and discuss the event with them.