(Disclosure: I was not compensated for nor given any products in this review. All opinions are my own.)
Ten Little Caterpillars writen by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Lois Ehlert is one of those popular children’s books that can be used at different age levels. All of my boys (ages 1-12) enjoyed this book. I love finding using books that grabs all of the boys attentions-and that they can learn from!
For toddlers, the vibrant colors grasp their attention. X man actually sat still for more than 7 seconds to look at the beautiful art work. I helped him point to and named the various colors for him.
Preschoolers can practice counting, using ordinal and cardinal numbers. Bear would say number one and then repeat first, number two and then repeat second, and so on. He is really into counting now so I let him count the various flowers, leaves, and other nature objects.
My older boys (elementary and middle school ages) looked a bit closer at the pages to find helpful labels. They learned quite a few new terms (like buddleia for butterfly bush). They especially enjoyed the final pages that connects what each type of caterpillar becomes (moth or butterfly).
Another reason why I chose this book now was because we just released our 10 butterflies! I can not recommend enough hosting and releasing caterpillars to butterflies! We have done this activity at least five times and it never gets old!
We have always gotten our caterpillars from Insect Lore. This year, we were blessed to receive a larger butterfly pavillion and certificate for 2 cups of caterpillars (each cup comes with 5 caterpillars)! Bear is our bug boy-our little entymologist. One of his thoughtful aunts found this set for him. Best gift for a little bug lover!!
Opening Song:
Buzzy, Buzzy Baby Bee
Buzzy, buzzy baby bee,
Won’t you say your name for me? (point to child)
_______.
Good morning, _______!
I’m so glad you’re here with us.
Open, shut them, open, shut them
Give a little clap
Open, shut them, open, shut them
Lay them in your lap.
Creepy crawly, creepy crawly
Right up to your chin
Open up your little mouth
But do not let them in.
Roll them, roll them, roll them, roll them
Just like this
Wave them, wave them, wave them, wave them
Then blow a little kiss.
Calendar/Weather:
Days of the Week: (tune of “Freres Jacques”)
There are 7, there are 7
days of the week, days of the week.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday. 7 days.
What’s the Weather? (to the tune of Clementine)
What’s the weather? What’s the weather?
What’s the weather for today?
Is it cloudy? Is it sunny?
What’s the weather for today?
Songs/Fingerplays:
Print this FREE 5 LITTLE CATERPILLARS to use in your Relaxed Homeschool Tot Time!
Click on image below to download and print!
Roly-poly caterpillar (wiggle right pointer finger)
Into a corner crept, (place right pointer finger in left cupped hand)
Spun around himself a blanket (spin around)
Then for a long time slept. (place head on folded hands)
Roly-poly caterpillar (wiggle right pointer finger)
Wakening by and by, (“stretch” right pointer finger)
Found himself with beautiful wings
Changed to a butterfly. (flutter arms like wings)
Activities and Crafts:
Reading story~Felt Board pipe cleaners/pom poms caterpillars
Bead Caterpillar
(pipe cleaner, wood beads or pony beads)
Playdough Caterpillars~Smash Playdough Caterpillars
Build-a-Caterpillar
(Duplo blocks)
Fingerprint Catperpillars
(popsicle sticks, stamp pads or paint)
Caterpillar to Butterfly
(coffee filter, markers, popsicle stick, pipe cleaner, water)
Caterpillar Necklace
(fruit loops/yarn)
Ten Little Caterpillars for our Relaxed Homeschool {Summer} Tot Time was a tremendous hit! The brigade had such fun listening to the story, singing the songs, and doing the activities.
Here is my Pinterest board where I have found so many creative, educational, and fun ways to share this story with children:
Follow busyboysbrigade's board Ten Little Caterpillars-At Home RelaxedTot Time on Pinterest.
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