They may creep and crawl but they aren’t so bad!
This adorable caterpillar craft is the perfect way for your kids to learn about insects!
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Why Make an Insect Craft
Insects and creepy crawlies catch many kids’ attention.
They are fascinated with how the insects move, the multiple sets of legs, and the amazing things insects do to protect themselves.
Feed into your kid’s curiosity by making a craft of one of the most well-known insects– the caterpillar.
This activity is part of the Insect Week in the Homeschooling Preschool Curriculum.
Crafts help kids to use their creativity.
This caterpillar craft allows kids to choose the colors and patterns they want their caterpillars to have.
They can make it all one color or make each part of the caterpillar a different color.
The more kids practice making decisions the better they become at making decisions.
There is no right way to make this craft!
The freedom that this craft offers for kids allows them to do the craft without thinking they are doing it ‘wrong’.
This makes the craft more inviting for some kids that worry about everything being a particular way.
The cups of the egg carton are harder to color than coloring on a flat item like paper.
Because of this, your kids will strengthen their fine motor skills and their dexterity without even knowing it!
Ways to Modify This Craft
After making a caterpillar (or three), try making worms!
Instead of using colorful paint, use brown.
This would be a great addition to a discussion about decomposers.
Add dots or stripes to the cups to add more details to the caterpillars.
Most caterpillars have patterns to help them blend into their surroundings.
Some caterpillars even have bristles on them as a form of protection.
Use chenille stems to add these bristles.
Make the rest of the butterfly life cycle.
Use one cup from the egg carton for the egg (usually white or yellowish).
Use two or three cups from the egg carton for the chrysalis (usually green).
Three cups from the egg carton can be used for the middle of the butterfly.
Cut wings out of paper and attach them to the cups.
Have your kids practice putting the life cycle in order.
Items Needed for Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft
- cardboard egg carton
- paint, markers, or crayons
- googly eyes
- chenille stem
- glue — if googly eyes don’t come with adhesive
How to Make an Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft
1 – Cut cardboard egg carton into groups of 3 to 6 cups.
2 – Place the cups on the table so they look like mountains.
3 – Color or paint the cups. Allow the cups to dry.
4 – Attach two googly eyes to the front of the caterpillar.
5 – Fold a chenille stem in half. Roll each of the ends into a coil.
6 – Make a hole in the top of the cup that is the head. A pen or pencil works best to make the hole. Stick the folded part into the hole.
7 – Enjoy playing with the caterpillar!
Insect Craft
This insect craft is a perfect addition to an insect study or a life cycle unit.
It can also be completed by itself for something fun to do!
It is a great way to reuse the egg carton that you already have.