Clara Caterpillar is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
In "Clara Caterpillar" by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Clara is a caterpillar who dreams of being a butterfly. However, all the other bugs make fun of her because she is plain and slow. Despite the teasing, Clara remains determined and patient, knowing that one day she will transform. As time passes, Clara forms a chrysalis and undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. When she emerges as a beautiful cream colored butterfly, all the bugs are amazed and apologize for their earlier behavior. Clara ends up saving the other butterflies from a mean crow after using her camouflage talent! Clara teaches readers and the other butterflies about the importance of embracing their unique qualities and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Through lyrical language and vibrant illustrations, "Clara Caterpillar" delivers a powerful message of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the beauty of transformation.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Cause and effect can be a difficult skill for students. This book is a perfect mentor text for teaching this skill.
- Identifying the theme, message, or moral is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use this story as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Practice making predictions throughout the book. Encourage students to check and see if their predictions were correct.
- Practice identifying and using articles.
- Explore the different ways words can be made plural.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom Deluise
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- The Vey Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
