Mailbags

Materials

1. large brown grocery bags
2. scissors
3. stapler
4. blue paint
5. markers
6. American flag stickers (optional)

Instrustions

1. Cut off a 2" strip from the top of a large brown grocery bag.
2. Staple each end of the strip to the sides of the bag to make a shoulder strap.
3. Paint the bag and strap with blue paint.
4. When dry, write "U.S. Mail" on both sides and add American flag stickers for decoration.
5. Children can make their own bags to bring home or use in the postal center.

Instructions

* Ahead of time, cut out a caterpillar from construction paper and laminate. If
you don't have real leaves, cut out and laminate paper leaves.
What to Do
1. Read books about caterpillars (see the list of suggestions below) to the
children.
2. Set out the various materials. Show the children how to trace a leaf on green
paper, and then help the children cut them out.
3. Help the children trace the caterpillar outline on brown paper, and cut it out
as well.
4. Recite the following fingerplay with the children:
The Hungry Caterpillar by Kristen Peters
(Tune "The Eensy, Weensy Spider")
The very hungry caterpillar
(rub tummy)
Munched upon a leaf.
(open and close hand like
a duck quacking)
She made a cozy chrysalis
(fold hands together)
5. Invite the children to repeat the song, acting out the lines using their cutout
caterpillars and leaves.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Are the children able to recite the fingerplay?
* How well do the children cut out their leaves and caterpillars?