From Caterpillar To Butterfly

As the Purple Room children enjoyed observing the process of our caterpillars turning into butterflies we used it as a perfect opportunity to incorporate some literacy based activities. After reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, the children became more familiar with the story. We added the felt board story pieces to our library area where they were able to retell the story both individually and with peers. This proved to be a great way to build on the children’s budding early literacy skills and assist in providing them with the ability to “read” independently!

As we waited for each caterpillars to emerge from their chrysalis we read “The Very Impatient Caterpillar” which was both a funny and clever way for the children to learn how long the process takes. As well we learned a “new to us word” which was “impatient.” Many of the children were able to relate to what it feels like to be impatient and some even shared a time when it was hard for them to wait! We then enjoyed reading the sequel which was “The Little Butterfly That Could.” This story was also a humorous tale and taught us a bit about courage and perseverance. These stories became so well loved in the Purple Room that the children asked to read them again! Being longer stories, their ability to sustain engagement during group time grew and grew. There was also an interactive element which gave the children an opportunity to help the teacher read the story and bring it to life!

On the day we released our butterflies, we read “Waiting For Wings” By Lois Elhert. This book incorporates poetry as it tells the story of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It is an engaging tale of the butterfly’s journey as it ventures out looking for flowers where it can drink nectar to gain strength. After saying goodbye to our butterflies and watching them fly away, the children inquired if they were going to find a flower to land on. This was a lovely way for the whole process to come full circle.