Friday, May 24, 2013

Storytime: Caterpillars and Butterflies Took Over the Children's Department

At storytime this week we learned about caterpillars!

We were lucky enough to have two caterpillars and a chrysallis for the kids to look at. They were able to see and touch the caterpillars and learn about the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly.



Ashley M. was our volunteer reader of the week. She shared two fantastic children's books followed by two equally exciting and fun-filled activities that allowed the creativity of the children to soar.



This week's stories... 



Gerald McBoing Boing by Dr. Seuss


When Gerald McCloy turns two, he doesn't start talking like most children--he says "Boing boing!" instead. His George Jetson-style father, turning gray, rushes to call Doctor Malone, who decrees there is no cure.

In time, Gerald only increases in volume, shouting "Boom!" like a big keg of exploding powder. School is no help, either. He cuckoos and honks in the classroom, "And as little Gerald/ grew older, he found/ When a fellow goes BAM!/ no one wants him around."


The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Brilliantly innovative designer and artist Eric Carle has dramatized the story of one of Nature's commonest yet loveliest marvels, the metamorphosis of the butterfly.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar shows what the caterpillar ate on successive days, introducing sets of up to 10 objects and also the names of the days of the week in rotation, as well as telling the central story of the transformation of the caterpillar.



To continue the caterpillar theme each of the children created a butterfly using their hands for the wings. The designs and color choices were amazing and very colorful. After the children completed their vibrant butterflies we began constructing colorful caterpillars. We ended up with the cutest caterpillars in varying lengths. Some of the caterpillars ended up with names like Roses and Peaches.


Here's a look at this week's creations.


Storytime is a weekly program for children of all ages. Each week we will have a different volunteer reader that will share an exciting story, followed by a craft or activity. We hope that you will join us every Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30.