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Eric Carle-Inspired Paper Collages

Students will create a paper cut-out butterfly after enjoying Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Share Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with the class. Point out that Carle illustrated the book using the collage technique of forming images out of cut or torn pieces of paper. Then explain that caterpillars become butterflies through "metamorphosis." They build a cocoon around themselves to protect them from other animals and bad weather. After their body grows and transforms into a butterfly, the cocoon breaks open and a butterfly emerges.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a colorful butterfly collage. Perhaps some of the colors will reflect a few of the foods the hungry caterpillar ate. They can paint bold, bright colors on paper and when the paint is dry, they can cut or tear out shapes that can be arranged and assembled into a butterfly. This is a good way for children to practice their fine motor skills and part-to-whole perception.

  • Step 3

    Have children present their butterflies and talk about the colors they used and why.

Standards

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Eric Carle used tissue paper in his collages. Have students create a collage using various colors of cut, torn, or crumpled tissue paper.

In 2011 the Alliance for a Healthier Generation sent free copies of "The Very Healthy Caterpillar" to 17,500 physicians along with a guide for using the book to promote healthy eating. Talk to the class about how the caterpillar ate a balanced diet that included protein and a lot of fruits and vegetables but also enjoyed some indulgent treats. Ask children to draw a picture of what a balanced meal looks like.