It’s spring in the northern hemisphere and that means it’s time for caterpillars and butterflies! My former students and own kids love to sing and act out caterpillar and butterfly themed preschool songs, they are perfect for circle time at school or play time at home.
Where Did My Caterpillar Go? Finger Play Song
by Megan Sheakoski
(Sung to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Where, oh where, did my caterpillar go?
Caterpillar go, caterpillar go?
Where, of where, did my caterpillar go?
Oh look! It’s a butterfly!
As the students sing the beginning lines of the song they cup their hands around their eyes as if they were looking for something. When they sing the last line of the song they point their fingers up to the sky at the pretend butterfly.
Caterpillar and Butterfly Hand Motion Song
by Megan Sheakoski
(Sung to the tune of Are You Sleeping?)
Caterpillar, caterpillar,
In my hand, in my hand,
Soon you’ll be a butterfly.
Soon you’ll be a butterfly.
And fly away. Fly away.
The kids cup their hands and swing them gently back and forth in front of their bodies while singing about the caterpillar. They hook their thumbs and flutter their fingers like wings during the third and fourth line and then move their butterfly fingers up into the air for the last line.
Caterpillar Life Cycle Song
by Megan Sheakoski
(Sung to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb)
A caterpillar has 12 eyes
Has 12 eyes, has 12 eyes,
A caterpillar has 12 eyes
So that he can see!
A caterpillar chews on leaves
Chews on leaves, chews on leaves,
A caterpillar chews on leaves
To get some energy!
Now he rests in a chrysalis
A chrysalis, a chrysalis,
Now he rests in a chrysalis
And becomes a butterfly!
Singing and acting out finger play songs is a great learning activity for kids. Preschoolers and toddlers can practice following directions, using memory skills, and learn about the life cycle of a caterpillar while singing and having fun.
If you are studying about the caterpillars and butterflies you may want to make our 12 eyed caterpillar puppet to go with the life cycle song!
Linking to:
These are perfect for our household…we love to learn through singing!
If you are interested in sharing, the Discover & Explore butterfly theme linky is still open. I’d love to have this post included. http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/discover-and-explore-butterflies-weekly-themed-linky.html
Ha! Great minds think alike Shaunna! I just did!
These are so cute! My kids will love them!
You just may want to turn down the sound on the video so they don’t have to listen to me sing! Ha!
These are so cute! I love the one you wrote.
Thanks so much Deidre! I hesitated a little before posting so I appreciate the comments!
Adorable videos! My daughter is a ‘learn thru singing’ kid too so we love learning new songs. Thanks so much for linking up at Discover & Explore this week!
Thanks Jacquie!
Great rhymes! I have used them in kindergartens in Asia!