A few years back I was asked to collaborate with the Erikson Institute in Chicago for a project to study toddlers in Family Child Care. During one of the activities we were asked to mention our favorite children's book. How could I possibly come up with my all time favorite children's book? I read children's books daily! I have so many favorites! But for the sake of the ice-breaker I had to come up with something and I remember clearly that I wrote down Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
One of my favorite ways to prepare a lesson plan is to use one of my favorite books! And The Very Hungry Caterpillar has several dimensions that can be taught; days of the week and how the week repeats itself, healthy foods vs junk foods, raw foods vs. cooked foods, and of course the life cycle and metamorphosis of the butterfly! Whether you choose to focus on one of these concepts or incorporate all of them you can easily plan your week of activity around the book. Here is how I did it.
You may note there are only two days planned. I repeat the activities throughout the week because the children love them so much! You can always repeat what is working, take away what isn't and of course add any ideas you come up with yourself!
There are many butterfly arts and crafts ideas and I have every seen some fun caterpillar snacks out there as well!
Whatever you do Have fun and make sure the children are playing to learn!
#EarlyChildhoodEducation #TheVeryHungryCaterpillar #Buthewasstillhungry #lessonplans #booksaslessonplans #caterpillartobutterfly @Lakeshorelearning
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