Discovering the Red Admiral Butterfly
1. Introduction
Show the video "Il-Farfett tal-Ħurrieq/The Red Admiral Butterfly" and ask the children questions to activate prior knowledge:
“Have you seen a butterfly in autumn or winter?”
“What colours can you see on its wings?”
Explain that the Red Admiral is special because it can be seen even in cooler months.
2. Outdoor Observation Activity
Visit a sunny outdoor area such as a garden or playground and encourage the children to look near flowering plants, especially lantana, and along sunny walls or paths.
Point out nettle patches and explain their importance for butterfly eggs and caterpillars.
Highlight the importance of these plants by asking:
“What happens to the butterfly if we take the plant away?”
3. Focused Observation & Recording
If a Red Admiral is spotted, observe from a distance:
- Wing colours and patterns;
- Flight style;
- Where it lands.
Children can sketch what they see or note observations with support.
4. Creative / Science Follow-Up
Once back indoors or outside, children can colour the "Red Admiral Postcard" in the Downloadable Materials using paint, crayons, or natural materials (leaves, small stones). Link this activity to science by briefly discussing the butterfly life cycle (egg → caterpillar → chrysalis → butterfly).
Resources & Equipment Needed
- Magnifying glasses (optional);
- Art and craft supplies of your choice;
You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF
Downloadable Material
Il-Farfett tal-Ħurrieq
YouTube Video
Il-Farfett tal-Ħurrieq (EN sub)
YouTube Video
Red Admiral Postcard
PDF Document
Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children observing sunny garden areas2. Butterfly sightings (if possible)
3. Children sketching or recording observations
4. Finished Red Admiral artwork
Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration
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