The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This session was prepared and led by Md. Gerri Fong & Md. Jenny Mah.

For the group work session on science and nature, the mentors introduced the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. The book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, was used as the central theme to capture the imagination of the children. The story was about hope. The mentors wanted to inspire the children to emulate the little caterpillar, to grow-up, unfold their wings, and fly off into the future.

The session starts off with our mentors, Jenny and Gerri telling the story, followed by a questions and answers session using a chart illustrating the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Next, the children set off to make their own caterpillars, representing themselves. Using eggs trays, cut to the shape of a caterpillar, the children start to bring out the image of the caterpillar they see themselves as.

The dedication and focus the children displayed in creating their caterpillar was exemplary. Without any bells and whistles, just scraps and recycled materials, the vibrancy of each caterpillar truly represent each of the children's characteristics.

From the pictures, one can observe there are more children, who are not part of VOICE children. Due to the vibrancy of the class, it had attracted other children at the orphanage to join. As we are still short of mentors, we cannot accede to their request, but did not have the heart to reject them either. So on ad hoc basis, we invite them to join the group work session only.