Lesson Plan for
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar " by Eric Carle

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR LESSON PLAN

Materials:

• Literary Text -- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Worksheet – See below
• Colored Pencils
• Colored Crayons
• Pencils

Procedures:

The lesson will be delivered in small segments to enable students to grasp an understanding of what is being taught through various methods. Students learn using different methods, such as visual, hearing and practice.

• Segment one should be completed in front of the students who are either sitting at their tables, or in a prearranged space on the classroom floor – preferably with cushions.

• Segment two should be conducted with students sitting at their tables – preferable pre-arranged into sets of table, where 4-5 students can sit on each table with enough room to draw.  Each table should have adequate supplies of colored pencils, or crayons.

Segment 1 – (Reading the Text)

• Introduce the text that is going to be read to the students.
• Explain to students that you will read the text followed by some fun activities.
• Explain to the students that they will be required to listen very closely to the text, as they will need to know some of the information in order to complete the activities.
• Begin reading the in a lively and entertaining fashion, placing emphasis on the first words in each sentence and on important words, such as ‘Caterpillar' and ‘Hungry'.

Evaluation of Segment 1

• Who was very hungry?
• What are some of the items that the Very Hungry Caterpillar ate?
• What did the Caterpillar turn into at the end of the Book?

Segment 2 – (Worksheet)

In the second segment, the students will be given the worksheet.

• Once you have handed out the worksheets, ask each student to write their name on the worksheet.

• Explain and possibly demonstrate the worksheet exercise. You may also consider supplying a large copy of a picture of the Very Hungry Caterpillar for students to find inspiration from.

Exercise:

• During the worksheet exercise, walk around the classroom giving students individual attention and help with their drawings. It is a good idea to give students positive statements about their work, which will encourage them to think more positively about themselves and what they do.

Tip:

By reading slowly to the class, with emphasis on certain words, students are able to listen more intently and follow the story. Students will also gain an understanding of how to pronounce words and will be more attentive.

Optional Craft suggestions:

Have students create a caterpillar puppet.

Resources:

Book:  Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (there are several releases of this book)

READING PRINTABLES The Very Hungry Caterpillar Worksheet Worksheet activity.

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