A Very Hungry Caterpillar
Phonemic awareness, particularly the ability to isolate beginning sounds, is one of the strongest predictors of later reading success. When children focus on a specific letter sound within a thematic context, they build both phonological skills and letter-sound correspondence. The caterpillar project provides a collaborative culminating product that celebrates learning.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Piece of Cake
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Listen attentively to the story
- Develop awareness of beginning sounds, focusing on the letter C
- Identify beginning sounds in familiar words
Materials
- "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" written by Eric Carle
- Pre-cut green circles
- Coloured pencils and crayons
- Pictures or printouts of C words (cake, car, biscuit, caterpillar, cat)
- Sticky tack for bulletin board display
Instructions
Gather children for story time and introduce "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. This classic tale is familiar to many children, making it ideal for deeper phonological exploration.
As you read, emphasize the /k/ sound at the beginning of caterpillar, drawing it out slightly: "C-c-caterpillar." After reading, guide children's attention to the letter C and its sound.
Show pictures of words that begin with C: cake, car, biscuit, caterpillar, cat. Say each word clearly, emphasizing the beginning sound. Invite children to repeat after you, exaggerating the /k/ sound.
Play a sorting game: display various pictures and have children identify which ones begin with the C sound and which do not. Celebrate correct identifications and gently redirect errors: "Listen again. Does 'dog' begin like 'cake'? D-d-dog, c-c-cake. They sound different at the beginning!"
Distribute pre-cut green circles and invite children to draw something that begins with C on their circle. As they work, reinforce the C sound by visiting each child and asking them to name their object: "You drew a cake! Cake begins with C. The caterpillar loves cake!"
Once drawings are complete, gather children at your bulletin board. Together, sticky-tack all the circles in a line to create a class caterpillar. Add a head with googly eyes and antennae. This collaborative art project celebrates the day's phonics learning while creating a lasting classroom display.
Educator tip
Some children may draw objects that do not actually begin with C. Rather than correcting harshly, engage in a brief discussion: "Tell me about your picture. Let's think about what sound that word begins with." Help children make connections without creating feelings of failure.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's ability to attend to the story. Note their growing awareness of beginning sounds. Document their ability to identify C words and to articulate beginning sounds.