Students and parents from Kirk Altman's Pre-K CSS (Communications/Social Skills) class at Pinedale Elementary celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a children's book by Eric Carle, on March 20, with a variety of fun filled, hands-on activities.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the story of a caterpillar who eats a variety of foods before it becomes a butterfly. The book not only teaches children about the life cycle of a butterfly, but also about different types of food, such as cheese, fruits, vegetables and ice cream.
Students in Mr. Altman's class started off the celebration by making homemade ice cream outside in the play area. They then gathered back in their classroom while Mr. Altman read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. During the reading session, the pre-kindergarten students identified foods highlighted in the book by placing plastic cut-outs of the food on a whiteboard.
After completing the book, it was time for the students to make caterpillar necklaces. Using rigatoni noodles Mr. Altman had spray painted green, as well as string and beads, students were able to create necklaces to wear throughout the day. Their necklaces, paired with caterpillar headpieces created the day before, really made each student look like the caterpillar from the book.
Next, the students made their own caterpillar sock puppets using athletic socks, red and green food coloring, and items to make the eyes, a nose and mouth.
Students spent the remainder of the day painting, dancing around the classroom and eating the foods they learned about in the book.
Author Eric Carle is known throughout the world as a wonderful writer and brilliant illustrator who produces books that are good for teaching young children to read. Kirk Altman has many of Carle's books and posters decorating his classroom.
"The beauty of Eric Carle's books, and the reason they are so popular with children and educators, is that they are not only visually appealing, but they also appeal to the students' other senses," Altman said. "Books like this are easier for students to comprehend and work with."
Altman has found that his young students, all under the age of five, can more easily understand and interact with Carle's books, making them truly effective tools for learning.
"If children are able to interact with a book and make it come to life, they are more likely to truly learn and understand what they are reading."
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