Birds and Butterflies

1. Warm-up questions:

a. Have you ever visited a place where you could see many birds or butterflies, like a park or garden? What was it like?

b. What can people do to help these creatures in cities or towns?

c. Have you ever visited a place where you could see many birds or butterflies, like a park or garden? What was it like?

2. Vocabulary – let’s learn new vocabulary

1. Pollinate: To transfer pollen from one flower to another to help plants reproduce.

2. Ecosystem: A community of plants, animals, and their environment.

3. Biodiversity: The variety of living things in a particular area.

4. Chrysalis: The stage in a butterfly’s life cycle when it transforms into an adult.

5. Migration: The seasonal movement of animals from one place to another.

3. Read the following text and check the vocabulary words:

Birds and Butterflies: Nature’s Winged Wonders

Birds and butterflies are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Both play an essential role in ecosystems, helping to pollinate plants, control pests, and maintain the balance of nature. Their beauty and grace have inspired art, poetry, and culture throughout history.

Amazing Birds

Birds are a diverse group of animals, with over 10,000 species worldwide. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny hummingbird to the giant ostrich. Birds are known for their ability to fly, although some, like penguins and ostriches, have evolved to live on land or in water.

One of the most impressive birds is the albatross, which can glide for hours without flapping its wings. Another is the peacock, famous for its colorful feathers. Birds also play a crucial role in pollination, spreading seeds, and controlling insects. For example, bees aren’t the only pollinators—hummingbirds help pollinate flowers, especially in tropical regions.

Beautiful Butterflies

Butterflies are not just beautiful—they are vital for nature. These insects have colorful wings and go through an incredible life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Each stage has its own challenges, but the result is one of the most admired creatures in the world.

Butterflies, like birds, help pollinate plants. As they drink nectar from flowers, they carry pollen from one plant to another, helping plants grow and reproduce. Some butterflies, such as the monarch, are known for their long migrations. Monarch butterflies travel thousands of kilometers from Canada to Mexico every year to escape the cold.

Why They Matter

Birds and butterflies are more than just beautiful—they are essential for life on Earth. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure that plants grow. Sadly, habitat loss, climate change, and pollution threaten their survival. Protecting these creatures is important for the health of the planet.

Think about this:

a. Why are birds and butterflies important for ecosystems?

b.How can people help protect birds and butterflies in their local area?

Comprehension Questions

1. What do hummingbirds do besides fly?

a) Eat insects
b) Pollinate flowers
c) Lay eggs on water

2. What is the purpose of a butterfly's migration?

a) To find food
b) To escape predators
c) To escape cold weather

3. How many species of birds are there in the world?

a) About 1,000
b) About 10,000
c) About 100,000

4. What is a chrysalis?

a) A stage in a butterfly’s life cycle
b) A type of flower
c) A kind of bird

5. Why are birds and butterflies under threat?
(Write one reason from the text.)

Match the Words to Their Meanings

a) Pollinate
b) Ecosystem
c) Biodiversity
d) Chrysalis
e) Migration

1. A community of plants and animals

2. A stage in a butterfly’s life cycle

3. The seasonal movement of animals

4. To transfer pollen between flowers

5. The variety of living things

True or False

• Butterflies and birds help pollinate plants.

• All birds can fly.

• Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of kilometers.

Creative Writing

Imagine you are a bird or a butterfly. Describe a day in your life. What do you see, hear, and feel?

If you could design a garden for birds and butterflies, what plants and features would you include? Why?