aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Reception / Kindergarten
What topic	Very hungry caterpillar
Quantity	1
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Lesson Starter: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Introduction

Welcome to our enchanting world of the Very Hungry Caterpillar! Today, we will embark on a colourful adventure that goes beyond just reading a story. We are going to explore the world of caterpillars, their transformations, and the delicious foods they encountered. Are you ready to wiggle and giggle?

Hook: Caterpillar Craft Surprise

What You’ll Need:

• Colourful paper (red, green, blue, yellow)
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks
• googly eyes
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Gather Together: Arrange the children in a circle. Begin with a bright and cheerful music that evokes the wonder of nature.

2. Tell a Small Story: Holding up a toy caterpillar or a puppet, tell the children, “Our crafty friend here is very hungry! But what will he eat? Let’s help create his dinner!”

3. Craft Time: Distribute colourful paper and supplies. Instruct the children to:

   • Cut out shapes of fruits (like apples, oranges, and pears) and leaves.
   • Use the glue to stick them onto the paper to make a delicious feast for our very hungry caterpillar.
   • Draw a happy caterpillar on the paper and stick on some googly eyes.

Engage Their Senses:

As they craft, walk around and ask questions about their creations. For example:

• “What fruit does your caterpillar like best?”
• “How many fruits did you give to the caterpillar?”

Encourage them to describe the colours and shapes they are using and what flavour they imagine each fruit has!

Transition to the Story

Once the crafts are complete, invite the children to sit in a semi-circle. Introduce them to the Very Hungry Caterpillar book by saying:

“Now that we’ve made a feast for our friend, let’s find out what he really loves to eat in our special story! Pay attention, because after the story, we’ll have our very own delicious fruit party!”

Conclusion

This captivating craft and story session not only ignites creativity but also creates anticipation for the lesson to follow. It's a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills and enhance vocabulary as well! Let’s enjoy a day filled with fun, excitement, and learning!