BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Activity Guide Sheet: butterfly symmetry

Supplies needed

□White paper – at least one for each child

© The Parent-Child Home Program, 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

□Washable paint in a variety of colors

© The Parent-Child Home Program, 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

□Paper plates or similar for holding paint

□Paint brushes, small sponges, or other materials for applying the paint

□Scissors

□Optional: string or yarn to attach at the end

© The Parent-Child Home Program, 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK – THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Steps
  1. Fold each piece of paper in half and cut along the open edge in a wing shape (see photo above), then unfold
  2. Invite children to sit at the table and distribute the blank butterfly sheets
  3. Pass out paint and painting tools, ensuring all are within reach of each child
  4. Invite children to decorate one side of their butterfly
  5. For younger children, you can cover half of the butterfly to ensure they only paint the one side
  6. When children are finished painting, help them fold their butterflies in half and press down firmly
  7. Once children open their butterflies back up, you can collect and set them out to dry
  8. Make sure children’s names are on their butterflies so you can send them home with their piece
  9. Optional: Poke a hole in the top of each butterfly and loop a piece of string through, tying the end so children can easily carry them home
Introducing the Activity
  • Sing a song.“Days of the Week”
  • Revisit the book. Remind children of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and discuss the butterfly life cycle. Revisit the butterfly illustrations and ask children what they notice about the wings. Introduce the word “symmetry” by discussing the matching patterns on both wings.
  • Invite exploration.Ask children if they can find any “symmetry” around the room.

Activity Guide Sheet: butterfly symmetry

ideas for incorporatng:
  • Extended talk. Describe your actions and encourage children to describe their own.
  • I see Antonio making a pattern of dots on his butterfly. What will it look like on the other wing?
  • Who knows what will happen when we fold the butterfly in half? Describe what it will look like.
  • Skill development.
  • Follow direction: First, we will paint one side of the butterfly and then carefully fold it in half
  • Shapes and sizes: Invite children to discuss shapes in their painting and compare butterfly sizes
  • Numbers:How many wings do each of the butterflies have? How many in total?
  • Attention: Invite children to focus on the symmetrical patterns by asking them which parts match on each side of their painted wings
  • Free play.Allow children to play freely with their butterflies once they dry. They might enjoy pretending to fly them around the room!
  • All ages.Younger children may need to sit on your lap and/or paint with their fingers.
Notes:

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© The Parent-Child Home Program, 2017