Interactive Storytelling: The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Invitation to Play
Deep Storytelling Guide
Bringing The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Life
Stories are some of the most powerful learning experiences in early childhood, but they don't need to mean sitting still and reading from beginning to end.
This guide shows you how to turn the much-loved story The Very Hungry Caterpillar into a gentle, interactive storytelling experience that toddlers can explore through movement, sensory play and imagination.
Created to sit alongside the March Curriculum Framework, this guide helps practitioners bring the story to life in a way that connects naturally with the month’s learning threads of growth, change and the signs of spring.
Rather than planning lots of extra activities, the experience uses simple resources you likely already have in your environment and encourages children to engage with the story through play.
Children may:
• wiggle and crawl like caterpillars• explore real leaves and natural materials• crawl through tunnels just like the caterpillar• curl up inside a cocoon• become butterflies through movement and imagination
The guide also supports practitioners with language prompts, observation ideas and ways to extend the experience, helping storytelling become part of the wider curriculum rather than a standalone activity.
As with all Early Years Edit resources, the focus is on meaningful engagement rather than perfect outcomes.
Sometimes the most powerful learning happens in the quiet moment when a child whispers:
"Look… the butterfly is flying."
What's included
• Practitioner guide for delivering an interactive storytelling experience
• Links to the March Framework learning threads
• Simple resource suggestions
• Step-by-step storytelling flow
• Key vocabulary prompts
• Ideas for observation and extension
Perfect for
• Childminders
• Early years settings
• Home educators
• Practitioners working with children aged 1–5 years
Format
Digital download (PDF)
Use alongside your March Curriculum Framework or as a standalone storytelling experience.
Individual Licence
This resource is sold under an individual use licence.
Your purchase allows one practitioner or one setting to download, print and use this guide within their own practice.
