The Very Hungry Caterpillar (e-) - Words And Pictures Library

Notes

Synopsis	A story about the life cycle of a butterfly.
Lesson Access	via url-link or QR-Code
Equipment for child	tablet, phone or laptop, internet connection, perhaps headphones
Materials	dictionary (online or paper), craft materials
Language Skills	listening, vocabulary (verbs), speaking (read aloud)
Cross-curricular Links	art, biology (life cycle of the butterfly), maths, healthy eating
Values	Growth and change
World Event Day	Learn About Butterflies Day World Food Day

©Ellis, G. & Gruenbaum, T. for PEPELT 2020

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, published by Puffin Books 1994

Video © Puffin Time for Stories

Step 1: Look at the Cover

Step 1 of 5

Look	Describe the caterpillar on the front cover: colour, size, shape, body parts.
Research	What do caterpillars like to eat?
Personalise	What do you like to eat when you are very hungry?
Revise	Revise the days of the week.
Think	What do you the think the 50 on the front cover represents?

Step 2 + Step 3: Listen and Watch

Step 2/3 of 5

Part A	Listen and watch for general understanding and enjoyment.
Part B	Listen and watch again and answer the questions, pause and replay when you need to.
	Who does Eric Carle dedicate the story to?
	What does the caterpillar begin its life as?
	What does the caterpillar eat on each day of the week?
	How does the caterpillar feel on Saturday night?
	What does the caterpillar eat on the Sunday?
	What does the caterpillar build around himself?
	What happens to the caterpillar after two weeks?
	Name the colours you see on the last double spread?

Step 4: Add your Voice

Step 4 of 5

Choose & Create	Make a butterfly-collage or an egg-box-caterpillar
Discover	Follow the colour key to discover 6 butterflies from around the world. Download
Research	Find out in which continents the 6 butterflies are found.
Think	Which country do you think Eric Carle’s butterfly lives in? (The food will give you clues).
Compare	Rewrite and illustrate ‘Saturday’ with foods typical of your country.
Discover	Watch the animation of the story. Which musical instruments and sound effects can you hear?

Step 5: Share and Evaluate your work

Step 5 of 5

Share	Send your work to your teacher or share in your virtual classroom.
Evaluate	Complete the evaluation sheet to reflect on your learning.

Teacher Notes Evaluation Form

Need Help ?

Part A: Read and complete. You can write or say your answers. You can do this on your own, in pairs or in a class discussion.

Part B: Think about how well you did. Choose and draw the smiley face that fits best.

Learn Sign Language with Leanne

If you enjoyed the read aloud, why not learn some British Sign Language (BSL). Watch Leanne sign The Very Hungry Caterpillar and learn how to sign: caterpillar, apple, plum, pear, orange and butterfly.