By Duane Friend
Each fall, monarch butterflies from the area fly 2,000 miles to Mexico. The following spring, their great grandchildren return. This wonderful journey has inspired the development of a two day workshop for teachers in pre-K through 12th grade. These workshops are led by experienced educators that are part of the Monarch Teacher Workshop, along with University of Illinois Extension.
One of these workshops will be held August 4 and 5 in Jacksonville at the University of Illinois Extension office, located at 104 N Westgate Avenue. Registrants are provided with the knowledge and materials to raise monarchs in the classroom and create a great learning experience for students. Essential teaching skills in literacy, math, geography, fine arts and technology can be gained by attending the workshop.
Participants will receive hands on instruction, rearing cages, books, posters, DVD’s, and with strategies for butterfly gardens, and activities in science, language arts, social studies, fine arts, and Mexican/pre-Hispanic culture.
Cost for the workshop is $99, and it is expected that the workshop will quickly fill up. Continuing Professional Development Units for teachers will be available.
For more information on the workshop or to register, contact the University of Illinois Extension office at (217) 243-7424.
