1. Pass out patterns of butterflies and caterpillars for children to cut out and decorate (use shapes on page 19 or create your own).

2. Give each child a paper plate. Show them how to cut into a wide spiral. For K-3, teacher will need to cut or draw cutline to follow. Hint: children can color the plates before cutting. Alternative: Have older students help younger ones, or work in groups.

3. Instruct children to cut several different lengths of string. Use rulers to measure out 12", 9", 6" 4", and 3" lengths.

4. Tape one end of each piece of string to a butterfly or caterpillar. Then tape the other end to a spot on the paper plate spiral.

5. Attach a long length of string (12") to the center of the paper plate, and hang the mobiles for all to see!

Adaptation: Collect leaves, twigs, or flowers on your playground, and then add them to your mobile!