Caterpillars Lesson Plans

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Theme

Caterpillar Poems, Songs, and Rhymes

Spring Lesson Plans

Caterpillar Stamps

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

Caterpillar Stamps

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

Preschool

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with school-age children.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• explore tools independently with eye-hand coordination to carry out activities.
  
• practice pattern making skills.

Caterpillar Stamps

CDA Competency Standard:   

II.4.4b

• Candidate’s facilitation promotes children’s physical development
  • ​​b) Guides the development of children’s fine and gross motor skills
    

II.5.4a

• Candidate’s interactions intentionally build upon children’s prior knowledge
  • ​​a) Supports children’s repetition of the familiar
    

Materials: 

• sponges (cut into circles)
• paint (red, light green, dark green)
• pipe cleaners
• black marker
• white paper
• book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle​

Procedure: 

• Begin by reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to children.
• You can ask children questions during/after the reading to check for understanding and encourage conversation about the text. 
• Children can then begin to use the round sponges to create the body and head of their caterpillar.
• When completed and dry, use the cut pipe cleaners for the antenna and the black marker to make legs and eyes. 

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children’s fine motor skills
• If applicable, assess students on their ability to create an AB, ABB, AAB, etc. pattern.

Online Early Childhood Education

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The Importance of Circle Time

Circle time is an important daily activity in the preschool classroom. Think about all the things that happen during circle time. Children listen to a story, learn who is present and absent, discuss the daily schedule, talk about special happenings in their lives, find out about new materials in the classroom, and perhaps, sing a song or do a movement activity.  Circle time is a time to plan for the day's activities and reflect on what has already been done. For example, you may use circle time to discuss the materials and activities that will be available in the learning centers, plan what to look for and think about during the upcoming field trip, or recount events that occurred on the playground.

Reading and re-reading stories and poetry to children every day is a wonderful way to develop a love of good books, learn new words, explore the sounds and rhythms of language, and develop prediction and comprehension skills. In addition to learning to listen, circle time discussions provide a wonderful opportunity to learn the give and take of conversation, gaining experience in communication skills.