Caterpillar Names

Students love the excitement of walking into the classroom and finding the caterpillar chrysalises they’ve all been watching have finally turned into butterflies. There are so many engaging activities to share with preschool students when learning about butterflies, but few are as simple as Caterpillar Names!

Learning one’s name leads to so many other types of learning. Activities like caterpillar names make it fun and engaging. Gather some supplies and a copy of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and get ready for fun.

Supplies to make Caterpillar Names:

• Green, red, and yellow paper
• scissors
• markers or crayon
• glue
• (Circle templates if needed)

Reading delightful books about caterpillars and butterflies is an engaging way to pique interest in a new activity about caterpillars. Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and add another level of excitement by using Little Folk Visuals The Very Hungry Caterpillar Precut Flannel/Felt Board Figures to go with the story.

Putting It All Together

After reading the story and collecting the supplies, the students follow these steps to make their caterpillar:

First, draw circles (or use these circle templates if needed) on green and red construction paper for the students to cut out. Trace enough green circles for the letters in each student’s name and one red circle for each student.

Next, write one letter of the student’s name on each green circle or have the student do this if they are able. Use a contrasting colored marker so it stands out on the green circle.

Then give each student a red circle to create the face. Provide pre-cut bits of yellow paper or let the students cut their own for the eyes, and they can draw on a nose and mouth. The caterpillars start to take on a personality at this stage.

Finally, work with the students to put the circles in order, and then they can glue or tape the circles together.

Other Ideas

If there are enough supplies, making two sets of caterpillar circles for each student can create twice the fun! Finish one set of circles as described above and place the second set in a baggie for literacy fun during centers. Students lay the circles on the table and arrange them to spell their names. Make sure to write the child’s initials on the back in case the circles get mixed up with a friend’s.