Teach Patterns With A The Very Hungry Caterpillar Craft
If your little learners love The Very Hungry Caterpillar as much as mine do, this easy caterpillar craft is such a fun way to bring the story to life while sneaking in some meaningful learning. Patterning is an essential early math skill for toddlers, preschool kids, and kindergarteners, and this simple project turns it into a fun activity that builds confidence, creativity, and fine motor skills—all with just a few basic craft supplies. So, try this simple, but fun Very Hungry Caterpillar activity!
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I make a small commission with no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy here.
Why Patterning Matters (And Why Kids Love It!)
Patterning is one of those early years skills that feels like play but lays the foundation for future math learning. Younger children naturally notice patterns in the world around them, and recreating them through cute craft projects helps strengthen visual memory, sequencing, and problem-solving. And doing it through one of our favorite children’s books—well, that just makes it extra magical!
What You Need
- Light green and dark green construction paper
- One red piece of construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Googly eyes
- Markers or crayons
- Large white paper or cardstock for the background
This is one of those craft ideas that works just as well at home as in the classroom. Kids love it, and adults love how doable it is.
If you need a copy of the book find it here: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book
How to Make Your Pattern Caterpillar
- Cut out your circles.
Use green paper to cut out light green and dark green circles for the caterpillar body. Younger children can practice early cutting for fine motor skill development, or grown-ups can prep the circles ahead of time. Then, cut out one red circle for the hungry caterpillar’s head. - Create your pattern.
On your big white paper, model the pattern: light green, dark green, light green, dark green. Then invite your child to continue the pattern as they glue each circle down. This turns the project into a hands-on lesson they’ll actually remember! Using a glue stick by themselves is the perfect activity to build fine motor skills as well. - Add the fun details.
Once the circles are glued, it’s time for the finishing touches. Add googly eyes, draw legs and antennae, and decorate the background. This part always brings so much fun and personality—every caterpillar ends up a little different, just like our young children!
Why This Craft Works So Well
This is one of my favorite cute caterpillar crafts because it blends literacy, math, creativity, and hungry caterpillar art all in one place. It’s low-prep for adults, high-joy for kids, and perfect for the classroom, home, or your next kids activities blog inspiration board. It also reinforces:
- Color recognition
- Pattern awareness
- Story connections
- Gluing, cutting, and drawing
- Confidence through creating something recognizable
Plus, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of those favorite books we return to again and again, so pairing it with fun caterpillar crafts always feels special.
Try It With Your Little Learners!
Whether you teach preschoolers, work with early years groups, or just enjoy doing cute craft projects at home, this pattern caterpillar is a great way to spark learning and creativity. It’s simple, sweet, and packed with developmental benefits—all while feeling like pure play.
If you try this out, I hope your children have as much fun making it as mine always do. Happy crafting!
More The Very Hungry Caterpillar Crafts
If you want to try another fun craft or you’re putting together more Very Hungry Caterpillar activities, we have another perfect craft! Check out this balloon painting activity that goes along with The Very Hungry Caterpillar book. It’s such a fun fine motor craft that’s awesome for little hands!
