You children and students can make a hungry caterpillar craft that’s a perfect book extension activity for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You can choose from 3 free craft templates that allow kids to practice the days of the week, counting to 5, or naming colors thanks to Eric Carle, who is so talented at packing learning opportunities on every page. Once the caterpillar craft is assembled kids can lift the flaps to see the matching pictures inside. My preschooler and kindergartner love reading the words on their caterpillar craft–it’s a great way to motivate my young readers and yours. 🙂
Since my children were little we have enjoyed reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I remember recording Little Tiger “reading” the book at age 2 because she had every word memorized. Little Dragon is well on his way to remembering each page and asks me to read him the caterpillar book every day. I am guessing you and your child have the same love for The Very Hungry Caterpillar and for book activities. While you are here, be sure to check out the rest of our Book Activities to go along with your Child’s Favorite Book.
Little Dragon (age 4) liked cutting out the square pieces for his craft and Little Dragon (age 6) asked to see the book so she could make sure to sequence her craft to match the book.
You may also be interested in our 100 page Hungry Caterpillar Activity Pack! It’s full of engaging activities for your little learner. Click Here to find out more.
Suggested Books & Extension Activities:
Click photos: Affiliate links to suggested supplies.
The World of Eric Carle(TM) The Very Hungry Caterpillar(TM) Lacing CardsThe World of Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends Magnetic Character Set
Let’s Feed The Very Hungry Catepillar Game
A Very Busy Sticker Book (The World of Eric Carle) (Deluxe Stickerific)
Hungry Caterpillar Flap Book Craft
Supplies:
Hungry Caterpillar Flap Book Template (Available to download for free at the end of this post)
Red, Green, and Yellow Craft Paper-affiliate link
(I like using cardstock for crafts because it gives them strength and bright color)
White paper
Paint, markers, pencils, or crayons
Scissors
Glue
Stapler
Click photos: Affiliate links to suggested supplies. ?
Primary Colors CardstockPrinter Paper
Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint Sticks
Cra-Z-art Classic Washable Markers
Fiskars Softgrip Big Kids Scissors
Elmer’s Washable School Glue 6 Pack
Directions:
Fold yellow paper in half (hot dog style), cut along the fold, and then staple the two pieces together to form a long rectangle.
Print the caterpillar face and feet on red paper and have your child color it. We used our favorite Fast-Dry Paint Stix-affiliate link because they show up well on colored paper and are mess free.
Print the caterpillar body flaps out on green paper and cut them out. Little Tiger cut all 7 of her pieces with no problem but Little Dragon wanted some assistance. Be prepared to help, take a break, or spread this craft over a few days because there is a lot of cutting.
Print out the flap pictures and have your child color them and then cut them out. We used markers because some of the pictures are a bit small.
Fold each flap so the word is on the outside. Match the flap pictures with each flap and glue the picture on the inside.
Place the caterpillar pieces on the yellow paper making sure they are in the correct order and then glue them down. Make sure to keep the flaps close together so they can all fit. If your child runs out of room it’s no big deal, just staple another piece of yellow paper to the end.
My preschooler and kindergartner had lots of fun making this craft and helping their caterpillar eat an apple, 2 pears, 3 plums, 4 strawberries, 5 oranges…and of course a green leaf. (Guess how many times I have heard that in the last day…now it’s your turn :). I really hope you and your kiddos enjoy reading and crafting together! <3 Please pin the photo below to help others enjoy it too.
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE HERE:
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PRINT THE DIRECTIONS HERE:
Hungry Caterpillar Flap Book Craft
Materials
- Hungry Caterpillar Flap Book Template
- Red, Green, and Yellow Craft Paper-affiliate link
- White paper
- Paint, markers, pencils, or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Stapler
Instructions
- Fold yellow paper in half (hot dog style), cut along the fold, and then staple the two pieces together to form a long rectangle.
- Print the caterpillar face and feet on red paper and have your child color it. We used our favorite Fast-Dry Paint Stix-affiliate link because they show up well on colored paper and are mess free. The printable is available here: https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/hungry-caterpillar-flap-book-craft-and-free-template/
- Print the caterpillar body flaps out on green paper and cut them out.
- Print out the flap pictures and have your child color them and then cut them out.
- Fold each flap so the word is on the outside. Match the flap pictures with each flap and glue the picture on the inside.
- Place the caterpillar pieces on the yellow paper making sure they are in the correct order and then glue them down. Make sure to keep the flaps close together so they can all fit. If your child runs out of room it's no big deal, just staple another piece of yellow paper to the end.
Hey, before you go be sure to check out our Hungry Caterpillar Activity Pack that includes this craft and a total of 100 pages of language activities, math activities, science activities, and more. Click Here for Details
This is awesome. Will definitely try it.
Thanks so much! I am glad you like it 🙂
I love this craft! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks
I am having a hard time downloading this free template.
The link is just taking me back to the same page.
Could you please email it to me?
casie.dwyer@ocps.net
Thank you!
I’m sorry if it’s not working. My printables are hosted by Gumroad. Hopefully the button loads that says “I want this.” If you add an email and an amount ($0 is okay) it should work if technology is on our side. If it doesn’t work you can send me an e-mail and I can send it to you as a pdf. I’m crossing my fingers it works. 🙂