Number Caterpillar

Practice counting and numbers by making a caterpillar out of recycled paper cups.

Materials Needed

  • Construction paper
  • Paper cups
  • Scissors
  • Crayons or oil pastels
  • Wiggle eyes or beads
  • Feathers
  • Liquid glue
  • Watercolor or poster paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Palette

Number Caterpillar

Safety Guidelines

  • Always let your child use child-safe scissors.
  • Watch out for this sign Ask for an adult's help. It means you need an adult's help for the particular step.

Steps

Step 1 Number Caterpillar Ask for an adult's help1. Cut out the base of a paper cup.
Step 2 Number Caterpillar Ask for an adult's help2. Be sure to trim off cleanly. This circular disc will make up each segment of your caterpillar.
Step 3 Number Caterpillar 3. Make at least 5 circular segments and as many as 10 to 12 for an extra long caterpillar!
Step 4 Number Caterpillar 4. Write a number on each disc using crayons or oil pastels. Try to make heavy strokes when writing the numbers.
Step 5 Number Caterpillar 5. Prepare various colors of paint on your palette. Add a bit more water to your paint and mix well. We want the paint to be a little runny.
Step 6 Number Caterpillar 6. Paint on each numbered disc. The watered-down paint will not stick to the portion with crayon strokes so your numbers will show through. This technique is called crayon resist painting. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
Step 7 Number Caterpillar 7. Cut a background from construction paper. Make sure it's big enough for your caterpillar.
Step 8 Number Caterpillar 8. Draw some details for the background such as grass, clouds, sun, or other things you'd like to add to your picture.
Step 9 Number Caterpillar 9. Glue the numbered discs on your picture to create the caterpillar. Don't forget to put them in the correct order.
Step 10 Number Caterpillar 10. Glue on a pair of wiggle eyes or beads for the eyes, a sequin or pipe cleaner for the mouth, and 2 feathers to make the antennae on the number "1" disc. Note that the number "1" is the caterpillar's nose.
Step 11 Number Caterpillar 11. Let your picture dry completely.