Students will become attached to their butterflies and it won’t be unusual for them to bring others into the classroom to see their butterflies.

After they are comfortable with having the butterflies hanging, which could be several minutes to several days, have students give their oral interpretative reading of their child’s poem. Have the student come to the front of the class, read his or her poem aloud and explain the enhancements chosen for the butterfly.

After the students oral interpretative readings, the teacher should turn to page 96 of the book. This part of the book tells the fate of each child. After the child completes the reading, tell the class the destiny of each child. If the child dies (out of the more than 12,000, 90 percent perished) have the student walk up and cut down their butterfly.

Children will be shocked and disappointed when they learn the fate of their butterfly. Few butterflies will remain hanging from your ceiling by the end of the class period.