The Very Hungry Caterpillar Lesson Plan

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic children’s book, that children simply adore! As teachers, it provides so many different lesson activities, across English, SPHE, Art and more! This lesson plan is a guideline that you can use to make the best use of this valuable resource!

Objective: Students will engage with the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle through various activities that promote literacy, creativity, and understanding of basic concepts such as days of the week, numbers, and healthy eating habits.

Note: Always be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when discussing food options in the classroom.

Duration: 1 week (5 days)

Materials:

• Copies of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
• Story sequencing cards (images of key events from the book)
• Art supplies (colored paper, markers, glue, scissors)
• Calendar with the days of the week
• Fruit and vegetable images or actual samples

Day 1: Introduction to the Book

1. Begin by reading the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to the students, using engaging voices and expressions.
2. After reading, discuss the main character, the caterpillar, and its journey. Ask students questions about what they observed in the story.

Day 2: Story Sequencing

1. Review the key events in the story with the students.
2. Distribute story sequencing cards to small groups of students.
3. Have each group work together to arrange the cards in the correct order of events from the story.
4. Invite groups to share their sequences with the class and discuss any differences.

Day 3: Days of the Week

1. Display a calendar with the days of the week.
2. Review the days of the week with the students and discuss their order.
3. Have students take turns placing the story events on the calendar according to the days they occurred in the book.

Day 4: Healthy Eating Habits

1. Discuss the various foods that the caterpillar ate in the story.
2. Show images or actual samples of fruits and vegetables to the students.
3. Engage in a group discussion about healthy eating habits and the benefits of consuming different fruits and vegetables.

Day 5: Creative Art and Writing

1. Provide students with colored paper, markers, glue, and scissors.
2. Have students create their own caterpillar by cutting out circles and decorating them.
3. Encourage students to think about what their caterpillar might eat each day and draw or write about it.
4. Allow students to share their creations with the class and explain their caterpillar’s diet.

Assessment:

• Participation and engagement in class discussions and activities.
• Observations of the accuracy of story sequencing.
• Review of the students’ creative caterpillar art and written descriptions.

Extension Activities:

1. Act out the story using props and student volunteers.
2. Create a class “Healthy Caterpillar Cookbook” by having each student contribute a healthy recipe and illustration.
3. Explore the life cycle of a butterfly through additional readings and discussions.

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Buy the Very Hungry Caterpillar online here!