The caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly is well-loved symbol in Christianity of being born again through Jesus and everlasting life. The "Caterpillar to Butterfly" craft detailed here is one of our Easy Kids Crafts that are ideal for kindergarten, first grade and second grade. You will also find here tips for growing a butterfly garden so the children can experience the wonder first hand.
To prepare the children for the craft, read a caterpillar to butterfly story such as picture book classic by Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
In The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the caterpillar gobbles up a wide range of foods from pears to a sausage. The collage pictures and the story are wonderful though! If you read this story, just follow it up with a short lesson or story that explains that caterpillars really are very particular eaters.
Just as the nourished caterpillar is reborn in the form of a beautiful, winged butterfly, Scripture nourishes us so that we may be born into the heavenly kingdom.
Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft
Supplies
Clothespin (spring type)
Green pom-poms
Elmer's school glue
Dark brown or black pipe cleaner
White paper
Butterfly wings template
Markers, crayons or paint
Prep
Create templates by drawing a pair of butterfly wings on a piece of paper and photocopying one for each child. Or print out a butterfly template from a Website.
Instructions:
Caterpillar
Glue pom-poms onto one of the flat sides of the clothespin.
Create antennas by twisting a piece of pipe cleaner around the end of the clothespin.
Allow to dry.
Butterfly
Color or paint the butterfly wings.
Cut out the wings.
When you're ready to turn your caterpillar into a butterfly, simply clip on the wings with the clothespin!
Butterfly Garden Tips
By creating a butterfly garden, you can give the children opportunity to observe both caterpillars and butterflies, and if they look closely perhaps some of the cocoons as well. Just follow these tips, and you'll soon have a garden that is home to caterpillars and butterflies.
Unlike The Very Hungry Caterpillar, caterpillars and butterflies are finicky eaters. Consult a regional field guide or website before choosing your plants.
Many butterfly species favor zinnias, milkweeds, verbenas, and several mint family plants, so plant several of these in clusters.
Use only natural pesticides (such as lady bugs) and no insecticides.
Cluster blossoms together and by color. Big splashes of color and concentrated scents increase the chances of the butterflies finding their way to your garden.
Keep in mind that tubular flowers and flat-topped blossoms are easier for butterflies to land on and sip nectar from.
Place nectar-producing plants in sunny locations.
Include annuals and perennials because butterflies are active from spring to fall.
When choosing plants, don't forget the caterpillars! Again, consult a regional guide. The leaves of many of the plants butterflies favor, such as milkweed, are also food for caterpillars.
Provide drinking water for butterflies in the way of damp areas and shallow puddles.
Be sure your butterfly garden has several sunny spots. Since they are unable to fly when their bodies temperatures are below 70 F, butterflies sun themselves.
When designing a butterfly garden, think about future enjoyment. Consider a swing bench or pond with sitting areas. Or plant the garden adjacent to a deck
or patio.
For more easy kids crafts and Bible kids crafts and activities visit Bible Crafts For Kids
