Dear Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers,
Get ready to celebrate a childhood classic! The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day is nearly here March 20, 2025, marks the moment where families across the world come together to celebrate Eric Carle’s beloved storybook character. At Edx Education, we believe that storytelling and books play a vital role in childhood development, sparking imagination, creativity, and a love for learning. This year, we are thrilled to introduce ways to bring learning through play to life like never before, using our versatile educational toys!
Why Storytelling is Essential in Play-Based Learning
Storytelling is more than just reading aloud; it is an interactive experience that helps children develop language skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional intelligence. Books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar introduce early literacy concepts, sequencing, counting, and an understanding of nature and growth. Through storytelling, children:
-
Expand their vocabulary and communication skills.
-
Develop a deeper understanding of emotions and empathy.
-
Learn to problem-solve and think creatively.
-
Strengthen their imagination by bringing stories to life through play.
This is why integrating books into play is one of the best ways to encourage a love of learning. At Edx Education, we’re passionate about turning classic stories into hands-on learning experiences with engaging toys and activities.
Bringing The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Life Through Play
To celebrate Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, we encourage families to combine storytelling with play. Here are some ideas to get your little ones involved using Edx Education’s innovative educational toys:
1. Sensory Play with Sand and Water Activities
Encourage hands-on sensory exploration with the Green N Play Desktop Water Tray. Fill it with toy fruits, floating objects, or natural materials to represent elements of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Children can scoop, pour, and explore textures while reinforcing sequencing and storytelling through water play.
2. Counting and Sorting with Rainbow Pebbles®
The story naturally introduces numbers and days of the week, making it a fun and educational tool for early maths skills. Using Rainbow Pebbles®, children can practice counting, sorting, and pattern recognition. They can even recreate the caterpillar's transformation by stacking and sequencing the pebbles in the order of the story.
3. Creative Role Play and Story Retelling with Linking Cubes
Encourage children to retell the story using Linking Cubes. They can build their own caterpillar, fruits, or even a butterfly, reinforcing the sequencing of the story. Role-playing different parts of the book helps with memory retention, builds confidence in storytelling, and encourages imaginative play.
4. Exploring Movement and Transformation with MyGears®
The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is a perfect opportunity to introduce basic mechanics. Using MyGears®, children can build their own moving caterpillar or butterfly, exploring STEM concepts while bringing the story to life. This hands-on activity strengthens problem-solving skills and curiosity through play.
Join the Very Hungry Caterpillar Day Celebration
We’d love for you to join us in celebrating on March 20! Here’s how you can take part:
-
Read & Play: Share photos of your children reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and playing with Edx Education toys using the hashtag #VHCDay.
-
Get Creative: Show us your craft projects, role-play setups, or nature-inspired activities inspired by the story.
-
Follow the Fun: Tag us on Instagram (@EdxEducation) and Facebook (@EdxEducation) and don’t forget to tag @WorldEricCarle to be part of the global celebration!