Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar

               Cite


                   Jarrett,L. (2008). Arabella miller's tiny caterpillar.                cambridge ,MA: candlewick press
              


              ISBN


                      978-076363660




               Abstract


               A girl named Arabella Miller finds a caterpillar, she really likes the caterpillar so she brings him home. She is extremely happy with the caterpillar and lets him stay in her house. She gives him the freedom to climb everywhere, and even builds him a nice home with lots of things to eat. Later on however, he starts to sheds his skin. After patiently waiting for a  few weeks, Arabella is astonished to see how the beautiful butterfly emerges from the thread. She is pleased to know that this gorgeous creature was her long lost friend, the catterpillar.










                Reason to choose this story


                First of all I love the story because it describes how children interact with nature and insects in such a interesting and  warm way. It touches upon the idea that adults usually tend to kill insects when they see them but children will go the extra mile to formulate new friendships with  the insects. They take time to play with them and feel rewarded by observing and gaining knowledge from them. I definately think this is something we need to encourage all children to carry on doing.




                Illustration




                The illustrations were made in light, soft color. They evoked a very calming mood and I think the children will enjoy it because it was easy to understand the picture. I was extremely drawn to the illustrations because it warms my heart when I read it.

   




                Provocation

          In order to build background knowledge or provoke the children's interest, I will bring small branches and leaves into the class and ask the children if they notice any insects on them.






                Presentation




                 1: felt story. I will need a few felt characters, such as a girl, a caterpillar, some leaves and a butterfly. Educator's can choose to make their own felt characters or simply buy the material from stores.




                 2: model present: Teachers can try to catch insects such as a butterfly or a caterpillar, and then put them in a container in order to present it while reading the book to children.


                 3: Act it out: Let children engage in role play. They choose to act as either Arabella, the caterpillar, or the butterfly. A blanket can be use to represent the caterpillar’s shell. This can enable children to use their imaginations as well.








                  Extension 




                 1:  Nature hunt: After I read this story the first idea that came to my mind is a nature hunt. If the weather is suitable for children to go out, I will take them for a walk to explore nature in the forest. I will then print out some pictures of different kind of insects. For example, caterpillar, dragon flies and butterfly.






                 2:  House building: In the book Arabella builds a house for the caterpillar, so the children can learn to do the same thing. They can put anything they want into their little house. The house will be made with green leaves and small branches; but if materials are not available there can always use green and brown paper instead.


                 3: Insect study : Teachers can print out pictures of insects along their names. This enables children to learn how to name new insects as well as how to observe and analyze their specific properties.