How to Make a Reading Caterpillar

Help your child track his reading in a colorful and interactive way with a Reading Caterpillar. This creative approach to his book list encourages reading with a proud display of each title achieved. Seeing the caterpillar grow can provide your child with a visual incentive to finish a summer reading list or meet school reading club goals. Reluctant readers in particular enjoy seeing a big and bright record of their accomplishments.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Colored construction paper Scissors Markers or crayons Glue Poster putty

1. Cut one circle of construction paper, about 5 inches in diameter. Allow the child use the markers or crayons to draw the caterpillar's face.

2. Cut multiple circles of construction paper in slightly smaller circles, about 4 inches in diameter.

3. For each book the child reads, print the title and author on one of the colored circles.

4. Let the child decorate the circle by drawing a picture from her favorite part of the book. If you want to encourage a slow reader with a fast-growing caterpillar, use a second circle for the picture.

5. Glue the first book circle to the caterpillar's head, overlapping the two circles by approximately half an inch.

6. Mount the caterpillar to the wall using poster putty.

7. Glue each subsequent book circle to the caterpillar in the same way. According to your wall space, your caterpillar may be climbing up the wall vertically, or in a wavy horizontal line. Position the display however you and your child prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is reading longer chapter books, you can add a circle per chapter or for a specific number of completed pages.

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