Butterfly Internet Search

Exploring the Internet

The children have been very interested in butterflies and their interest has encouraged them to experience different ways of using technology to find out about butterflies. This morning KG and his mum came in with a chrysalis to share with the class. The chrysalis was brought onto the table for the children to explore. Throughout the chrysalis conversations the children wanted to visit the computer room to search for photos of butterflies to go on the wall. From a previous interest the children had the opportunity to go on the computers and search for photos and information regarding their interest topic. The children recalled the last experience of using the computer and asked if they could do it again. I encouraged the children to sustain their play by supporting them “in the development of ‘recall’ skills and ‘reflecting on the past” (Dunkin & Hanna, 2001, p.15). Once the children finished exploring the chrysalis we made our way down to the computer room where the children gathered around the computer to observe different pictures of butterflies. As we clicked into the internet TT with help from myself and the children surrounding the computer, was able to letter by letter type butterflies into the computer. As we browsed through different photos of butterflies the children’s conversations and curiosity grew. Children develop “the knowledge that trying things out, exploration, and curiosity are important and valued ways of learning” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.84).


Child’s Voice

TT - “Look Jody I see a blue butterfly, click and make it big”

PM – “I click the mouse”

KG – “Make it come out of here” (Pointing at the printer)

PS – “Then we find a pink one”

KG – “Look a chrysalis like my one”

PM – “I like the green butterfly with big wings, I will print that one”

Waiting for their pictures

The children’s conversations were very interesting as it gave me the opportunity to identify aspects of their knowledge regarding ICT. The children were all involved in the butterfly search and all had the opportunity to click into pictures using the mouse, enlarge pictures and copy and paste pictures into a Word document. It also gave me the opportunity to show children how their learning stories are created and printed off. Once the children chose their favourite butterflies they individually pressed print and each ran over to the printer to collect their picture. Once we got back to the room they were very excited to show the other children and teachers. Each child chose a spot around the room to put their picture up. The children were using their exploration skills to search the computer/internet for pictures of butterflies. The ‘children use a variety of technologies for different purposes as they explore their world” (Ministry of Education, 1996, 98). The next day the children asked if they could go back onto the computer to print photo’s of butterflies for their portfolios. “Free exploration takes time and space to allow children to experience what’s there and freely try new ways of doing things” (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008, p.244). This was great to see that the children are interested in using ICT to increase their knowledge about butterflies.