Why We Love Monarch Butterflies

EP98: Today on the Art of Homeschooling podcast, Jean talks with her my dear friend, Janet Kramer, all about why they love raising and watching Monarch butterflies. Listen in for tips on how to raise butterflies, how to help with butterfly and habitat preservation, and suggested resources to help you learn more. Plus lots of funny stories about their experiences raising monarch butterflies for the past 20+ years.

Find the Show Notes Here (www.artofhomeschooling.com/episode98)

Inspired at Home Membership (www.artofhomeschooling.com/inspiredathome)

Reconnect with WHY you're homeschooling & learn through hands-on workshops at the 19th annual  Taproot Teacher Training. This in-person summer homeschool training happens August 14-17, 2025. Learn from seasoned homeschoolers alongside other heart-centered parents, explore fresh ideas, & experience lessons firsthand. Details at www.artofhomeschooling.com/taproot2025 

Chapters

• 0:47 Jean introduces her guest and longtime homeschooling friend, Janet Kramer
• 5:11 Raising monarchs is a community or neighbor event
• 8:37 There's no one right way to raise monarchs, but learning from neighbors or friends is a bonus!
• 11:30 Jean's step by step guide to raising monarchs
• 16:16 Tips from Monarch Watch to raise monarchs outside
• 17:38 Enclosures for caterpillars
• 20:03 Caterpillars & the larva stage
• 21:43 The "J" and the chyrsalis
• 25:22 The butterfly emerges
• 31:11 And now it's a butterfly!
• 31:55 Learning more about monarchs every year through experience
• 33:10 Male vs. female butterflies
• 34:01 Metamorphisis
• 34:51 "Hope for the Flowers", a sweet little inspirational book for adults
• 36:35 Books for kids
• 37:52 Eastern & Western monarch populations
• 38:35 More about Monarch Watch
• 40:04 "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies", a book for the middle grades
• 42:38 Inspiration to learn more, grow milkweed, or raise caterpillars