This paper chain caterpillar craft with number sequence is such a fun way for kids to practice counting from 1 to 10 while getting creative. Little ones will love connecting the paper strips together to build their own colorful caterpillar chain.
The free printable template makes this activity easy and engaging for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and young elementary school kids. Children can practice cutting out the paper strips, arranging the numbers in the correct order, and assembling the caterpillar step by step.
We have also included a plain paper chain template so kids can write the numbers themselves or decorate the strips with their own colorful patterns and designs. This caterpillar craft is perfect for spring activities, insect lessons, butterfly life cycle themes, and classroom math centers.
If your little ones enjoy paper chain crafts, make sure to also check out our educational alphabet paper chain snake craft, which is a fun way for kids to practice letter sequence.
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Supplies You Need to Make a Numbered Paper Chain Caterpillar
- Paper chain caterpillar template (Enter your details in the form within the instructions below to access the template)
- Two colored construction papers
- One white construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
- One black paper piece (for the caterpillar’s legs)
Steps to Make a Paper Chain Caterpillar with Number Sequence
This paper chain caterpillar craft with number sequence is a wonderful hands-on activity for building counting skills, number recognition, and fine motor skills. Gather your supplies and let’s get started on this fun and colorful craft!
Step 1
Download the paper chain caterpillar template and print the paper chain strips on colored construction paper. Print the caterpillar head template on white construction paper in US Letter size.
Simply enter your details in the form below to access the template and join our newsletter. We have also included a plain paper chain template if you would like a version without the numbers.
Step 2
Cut out the numbered paper strips and the caterpillar head template pieces. We traced the large rectangle strip for the caterpillar head onto blue construction paper and cut it out.
Step 3
Let’s start making the paper chains. Making a paper chain is a simple activity where you turn the paper strips into loops and connect them together.
Take the paper strip with the number 1 and glue or staple the ends together to form a loop. Next, find the paper strip with the number 2 and slide it through the first loop before securing the ends together.
Arranging the strips in the correct number order turns this craft into a fun educational math activity for kids while helping them practice counting and number recognition.
Step 4
Now, take the paper strip with the number 3 and slide it through the second loop. Glue or staple the ends together to create the third loop in your paper chain.
Continue the same process by sliding each numbered paper strip through the previous loop in order until you reach the number 10 loop. Keep gluing or stapling the ends together to build your caterpillar paper chain. Kids will feel so proud as they find each paper strip in the correct order and watch their colorful paper chain come together.
Step 5
Now, take the big paper strip for the caterpillar head and glue or staple the ends together to form a large loop. Stick on the eyes, then use markers to draw a smile and cheeks on your caterpillar.
Apply glue to the back of the caterpillar head and attach it to one end of the paper chain. Next, take the caterpillar antennae and slightly fold one end of each piece. Glue the tiny folded edges onto the head to attach the antennae.
Step 6
Next, take a piece of black construction paper or cardstock and cut it into tiny strips.
Step 7
Glue the black strips underneath the paper loops on both sides to create the caterpillar’s legs.
Our paper chain caterpillar is ready. How cute is that!
More Paper Chain Crafts for Kids
We have even more fun paper chain crafts for kids to try. Check out some of them below!
Paper Chain Jellyfish: This paper jellyfish craft is a fun and colorful activity that kids will love creating on a lazy summer afternoon. The craft comes with a printable jellyfish template that children can cut out and assemble. With plenty of cutting and gluing involved, it is also a wonderful way for kids to practice scissor skills and fine motor skills while having creative fun.
Paper Chain Octopus: Learn how to make a paper chain octopus craft in just a few simple steps! This colorful ocean craft is a fun way for kids to get creative while learning about sea animals. It also comes with a printable template, making it perfect for summer activities, classrooms, libraries, and kids’ rooms.
Alphabet Paper Chain Snake Craft: This alphabet paper chain snake craft is a fun and colorful way for kids to practice the alphabet while getting creative. Children will enjoy connecting the paper loops to build a long snake while working on fine motor skills and letter recognition.
Caterpillar-themed Books for Kids
You can pair our paper chain caterpillar craft with these fun books to make the activity even more exciting for kids.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Follow the journey of a tiny caterpillar as it eats its way through different foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. With colorful illustrations and interactive pages, this classic story is a fun way for kids to learn about counting, days of the week, and the butterfly life cycle.
The Very Impatient Caterpillar: This funny and engaging story follows a little caterpillar who is excited to transform into a butterfly. Filled with humor and playful conversations, the book introduces kids to the idea of metamorphosis in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Kids will love the expressive illustrations and the silly, impatient caterpillar character.
Caterpillar to Butterfly: This educational reader gives kids a fascinating look at how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. With beautiful photos and easy-to-read text, children can learn about the butterfly life cycle in a simple and engaging way. The book also includes fun facts about different butterflies and caterpillars, making it a great choice for young nature lovers and beginning readers.
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: This fun and educational bug book introduces kids to a variety of fascinating insects they may spot outdoors, including ladybugs, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and more. Filled with colorful close-up photos, simple facts, and interactive activities, it is a wonderful way to help preschoolers and kindergarteners explore the amazing world of bugs.
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The free printable pizza craft template makes this counting activity quick and easy to prepare for preschool or kindergarten.
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