The Woolly Bear Caterpillar

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Crawling through the garden, the little Woolly Bear Caterpillar wonders what kind of moth she will become. Bonny and bright, stunning and smart, but not kind, the other caterpillars laugh at the small, plain Woolly Bear. There is one thing that they are sure of: Woolly Bear could never be as dramatic and beautiful as them! But could one little caterpillar be about to undergo a truly terrific transformation?

English:

Retell the story from the caterpillar’s point of view. Write diary entries at different points.
Write some descriptions of the woolly bear caterpillar and the garden tiger moth. How are they similar / different?
Write a description of the setting of this story. Could you plan a new story based in this setting?
Write a sequel to this book. What might happen to the garden tiger moth next?
The book’s blurb says that ‘sometimes pride comes before a fall’. What does this mean? Could you use this as inspiration for a new story?
Create a persuasive letter encouraging people to protect caterpillar habitats.
Use descriptive writing to imagine a new type of caterpillar with unique features.

Maths:

Explore symmetry by designing butterfly wings.

Science:

Find out more about woolly bear caterpillars. Where do they live? What do they eat? This video gives some information:

Learn about the life cycle of a caterpillar and create a visual timeline.
Learn about the different plants mentioned in the story (e.g. dandelions, apple trees, poplar trees). Where do they grow? What animals live around them?
Observe real caterpillars and document their changes over time.
Explore camouflage and adaptation in insects.

Computing:

Create an animation that shows the woolly bear caterpillar moving.
Make an animation to show the caterpillar’s metamorphosis.
Research caterpillar facts and present findings in a digital infographic.
Program a simple game where a caterpillar navigates obstacles.
Record a video in which you read this book to an audience. Could you add music, sound effects and other visual effects?

Design Technology:

Create some models of caterpillars and moths using recycled materials.
Design a butterfly-friendly garden.
Design some cuddly caterpillar toys.
Make some caterpillar puppets and use them to retell this story.
Create a pop-up book that illustrates the caterpillar’s transformation.
Design a simple mechanism that mimics the movement of a caterpillar.

Art:

Find some pictures of the woolly bear caterpillar (and the garden tiger moth) and create your own illustrations using different materials and techniques.
Create some pictures that show the life cycle of moths.
Retell the story in the form of a comic strip.
Create a collage of different caterpillar species.

Music:

Compose some melodies to accompany the other caterpillars’ songs.
Compose a simple song about the caterpillar’s journey.
Use instruments to mimic the sounds of nature in the story.
Create a rhythmic pattern inspired by the movement of caterpillars.

Geography:

Map out the habitats where different caterpillars live.
Discuss how climate affects caterpillar populations.
Explore migration patterns of butterflies.
Investigate local conservation efforts for insects.

Physical Education:

Create a movement-based activity mimicking the caterpillar’s journey.
Develop a yoga sequence inspired by caterpillar and butterfly movements.

Religious Education:

Discuss the symbolism of transformation in different religions.

PSHE:

The woolly bear caterpillar meets a number of other caterpillars. How do they treat her? How would you describe their behaviour?
The other caterpillars love to boast about their appearance. What does it mean to be ‘boastful’?
Think about changes and transformations in your life. How have these affected you?