The Very Hungry 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
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SUMMARY
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is a beloved children's book that follows the journey of a little caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods. The story begins with the caterpillar hatching from an egg and feeling insatiably hungry. It goes on to devour an assortment of fruits, desserts, and even some unhealthy treats. As the caterpillar eats, it grows bigger and bigger until it eventually forms a cocoon. After a period of transformation, the caterpillar emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Carle's distinctive artwork, with its bright colors and textured collage-style illustrations, brings the story to life. The book not only introduces young readers to the life cycle of a butterfly but also teaches important lessons about patience, transformation, and healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.
 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.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Practice making predictions throughout the book. Encourage students to check and see if their predictions were correct.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
- Introduce and practice using shades of meaning.
- Discuss the importance of self regulation.
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
- 30Â 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.
- The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
- The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
- The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle
- The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
- The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle
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!
