Need a creative way to get your students writing, thinking, and actually excited to learn?
This butterfly project might be just what you’re looking for.
It works with any subject – ELA, science, social studies, even math – and it’s super easy to adapt, thanks to the included blank templates.
I used to bring out this activity every spring, and every time, my students blew me away with their creativity. No two butterflies were ever the same, they loved working on them, and the ideas they came up with always amazed me.
We all know students love creative, artistic craft projects – and when you can combine creativity with writing lessons – kids learn.
These butterflies look incredible hanging in the hall or on bulletin boards. They’re the perfect way to decorate your classroom for spring.
This spring writing activity works well for whole-class large group learning but can also be used for station work, centers, free time, morning work, or independent work for fast finishers.
Try Figurative Language Butterflies
One option included with the butterfly craft set is the figurative language butterfly. It’s easy to create with your class and a simple way to refresh students’ memories about figurative language.
Each butterfly had space for a definition, an example, and a student-drawn illustration to bring the figurative language to life.
When we created them in class, I wrote the definitions on the board for students to copy, and then we brainstormed examples together. We even came up with some brand-new ones of our own! I encouraged my more advanced students to go a step further—searching online for examples or writing their own.
Students can get even more creative when they draw pictures representing their favorite example.
Some kids stuck with quick drawings, while others went all out – adding details, color, and humor to match their examples. A few of the butterflies had sunglasses, mohawks, and speech bubbles!
It was a fun way to see their personalities and talents shine, and our classroom walls were covered with bright colors and creativity.
I’m always amazed at how incredibly creative and innovative our students are.
The picture above features butterflies that were decorated with highlighters. They look extra bright, fun, and cheerful.
Another idea is to challenge students to use figurative language based on the spring season or Mother’s Day (if you want to use this as a gift).
Ways to Use This Craft in Your Classroom
???? Figurative Language Focus – Students write and illustrate similes, metaphors, personification, and more inside their butterfly’s wings. Some students go all out, and their creativity is amazing!
???? Science Tie-In – Have students label the butterfly life cycle, describe an ecosystem, or even explain the parts of a plant inside their butterfly.
???? Social Studies Connection – Have students research a historical figure or event and turn their findings into a butterfly report. They can include key facts, accomplishments, and even a short quote or illustration to bring the person or moment to life.
???? Math Review – Use it to break down fractions, explain multiplication strategies, or explore geometric shapes – for a fun, creative math twist.
Differentiation
The butterfly writing activity is easy for students to make, and differentiated lessons are a snap.
One idea is to work on one butterfly section each day. This works especially well for students who work slower or require more in-depth teaching.
This spring writing activity works well for fast finishers and can be completed as station work, free time, morning work, or independent work.
Once they’re finished, these butterflies will make decorating your classroom super easy. And they look incredible!
I’d LOVE to see how your students decorate their butterflies!
Why Teachers Love This Activity
✅ Super easy to tweak – Whether kids need a bit of support or a bigger challenge, everyone can work at their own level without a ton of extra prep.
✅ Keeps them busy (in a good way) – A mix of writing, coloring, and cutting that actually holds their attention.
✅ Perfect for early finishers – Students enjoy spending time working on this craft, and the finished butterflies make your room look amazing.
Want to Try It?
Check out this fun, low-prep activity here and see how easy it is to make writing extra creative!
Written by Jules Rhee, MEd, and 30-year teaching veteran; published 5/20/2017; updated 4/15/25.
