Grade 2 Read-Aloud

Cycles in Nature: Supplemental Guide 225

6B-3

Dear Family Member,

I hope your child has enjoyed learning about cycles in nature. Over the next several

days, s/he will learn about the life cycle of a chicken, frog, and butterfl y. In addition, s/he

will be introduced to another cycle: the water cycle.

Below are some suggestions for activities that you may do at home to reinforce what

your child is learning about cycles in nature.

1. Drawing the Life Cycle of a Frog or a Butterfl y

In the next few days your child will learn about the life cycle of a frog and butterfl y.

Use the activity page included in this letter, and have your child draw the stages of the

life cycle of a frog or butterfl y. Have your child explain the different stages to you. Ask

your child about metamorphosis. (Metamorphosis is the change from one form to another

form, such as from a tadpole to a frog and from a caterpillar to a butterfl y.)

2. The Water Cycle

Your child will learn about the stages of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation,

and precipitation. S/he may also wish to share the water cycle song learned at school.

[This song is sung to the tune of “She’ll be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain.]

Water travels in a cycle; yes, it does.

Water travels in a cycle; yes, it does.

It goes up as evaporation,

Forms clouds as condensation,

Then falls down as precipitation; yes, it does.

3. Cloud Gazing

Go outdoors with your child on a partly cloudy day. Ask your child to name the

different cloud formations and to explain how s/he is able to determine these by their

shape: cirrus (wispy, feathery clouds high in the sky); cumulus (round, puffy clouds); and

stratus (layered grey clouds that can cover the whole sky and usually bring rain).

4. Read Aloud Each Day

Continue to read with your child every day.

Be sure to let your child know how much you enjoy hearing about the cycles in nature

s/he has been learning at school.