What lives under the leaves? Where do bugs go? How do butterflies grow? These simple observations sparked a joyful journey of hands-on exploration that invited our children to dig deeper, observe closely and discover the beauty hidden under the soil. Our “Beneath Our Feet” project at the Wolfcreek center grew directly from our toddlers’ questions and wonder about the natural world around them. 

A Closer Look at God’s Creation

Guided by the children’s natural curiosity, Ms. Haily introduced activities and lessons that encouraged students to observe, inquire and experience hands-on learning. We dug into the dirt, looked under leaves and watched tiny caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies.

The butterfly life cycle quickly became a class favorite. Children were especially captivated by the transformation process inside the cocoon, when a caterpillar turns into “gooey soup” before becoming something entirely new. 

These conversations helped build scientific understanding, offering a beautiful picture of God’s creativity in action.

Tiny Discoveries, Big Learning

Through this project, our toddlers developed important early skills in observation, communication and inquiry. We looked at bugs through magnifying glasses, talked about what we found in the soil and created nature-inspired artwork. These sensory-rich experiences encouraged the children to engage with their environment and explore the world around them. As with all CDC projects, Beneath Our Feet was rooted in our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. 

Why It Matters

At Children’s Discovery Center, we believe that even the smallest discoveries can lead to big learning moments. Projects like this one not only support STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) but also help children build confidence, independence and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

We’re so proud of our Wolfcreek toddlers for their enthusiasm and endless curiosity. And we’re grateful to our amazing teaching team for creating meaningful, joy-filled learning experiences that help our children grow from the ground up.

Dig Up the Secrets to Life-Long Success

Your child’s potential is just below the surface. At Children’s Discovery Center, our award-winning early childhood educators are ready to help them explore their curiosity and uncover their potential. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.