Here’s a great way to encourage your children to read more: get them to build a Reading Caterpillar!
The Reading Caterpillar is a large paper caterpillar. The more books your child reads, the longer it grows. Watching the Reading Caterpillar grow is a great motivation for your children to read more, and over time it will help them develop a love of reading.
Things That You'll Need
- Coloured paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Sticky tape
- A large empty wall, or any large space
- Collage materials e.g. stickers, sequins, buttons – anything for your child to make his/her caterpillar look attractive!
How To Play The Reading Caterpillar
- Take your coloured paper. Cut out circles big enough for your child to write and draw on.
- Get your child to use the collage materials to decorate one of these circles and turn it into the caterpillar head. Be creative! Use whatever you want, however you want.
- Find a prominent spot in your house. A fridge, spare wall, or a cabinet. Just as long as your child can see the caterpillar grow.
- Paste the caterpillar head on the spot. We’ve now started the Reading Caterpillar.
- Once your child finishes a book, it’s time to grow the caterpillar. Take one of the remaining circles. Help your child write the book name and a short summary in the circle.
- Paste it next to the Caterpillar head. Repeat for every book that your child finishes. Watch the caterpillar grow as your child reads more!
Have fun! Enjoy!