Grouchy Ladybug Clock Stories: A Telling Time Activity Inspired by Eric Carle
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We adore Eric Carle books around here, and The Grouchy Ladybug is one of our favorites—especially when it comes to teaching telling time! This classic book naturally introduces children to the concept of time through its hourly storyline, making it the perfect springboard for a hands-on math and literacy activity.
This Grouchy Ladybug clock story project is a fun and meaningful way to combine literature, time-telling skills, and even a bit of earth science. Here’s how to make it part of your homeschool or classroom learning day.
How to Make Grouchy Ladybug Clock Stories
Supplies Needed:
- Paper plates or circular cardstock
- Markers or crayons
- Paper fasteners / metal brads (for clock hands)
- Cardstock for clock hands
- The book The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
- Drawing paper or journal pages
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Create a clock face: Use a paper plate or round piece of cardstock. Help kids write the numbers 1–12 in a circle. Show them how opposite numbers (like 12 and 6 or 3 and 9) align to help with spacing.
- Attach movable clock hands: Cut out clock hands from cardstock and fasten them to the center of the clock with a brad or paper fastener.
- Read the book together: As you read, pause on each page that shows a time and have children move their clock hands to match.
- Draw the story: After setting the clock for each hour, invite children to draw a picture of what the Grouchy Ladybug is doing at that time (fighting a whale, flying by an elephant, etc.). This reinforces sequencing, comprehension, and time recognition.
- Optional extension: Have older kids write a sentence or two to retell the story in their own words, or make a mini booklet with one clock and one illustration per page.
Bonus Learning Connection: Day/Night & Earth’s Rotation
One of the beautiful elements of this book is how it shows the progression of the sun across the sky as the day goes on. This is a great time to introduce or reinforce the concept of:
- The rotation of the Earth
- Day vs. night
- The position of the sun at different times of day
You can even track where the sun is at different times during your own day and compare it to the story.
Educational Skills Reinforced
- Telling time to the hour
- Time sequencing
- Story retelling
- Literacy-math integration
- Observational science (sun movement)
- Fine motor skills (clock construction)
- Creative expression through drawing and storytelling
Book Pairings & Extensions
- What Time Is It, Mr. Crocodile? by Judy Sierra
- Clocks and More Clocks by Pat Hutchins
- Telling Time with Big Mama Cat by Dan Harper
- Explore making your own “day in the life” clock based on your child’s daily routine
See More Clock and Telling Time Activities:
Magnetic Clock Building on a Pizza Pan
Love this! Thanks for posting at Math Monday!
I love combining good books with lessons, too, and the added art is even more fun. It looks like your idea engaged all of your kids. Thanks for sharing with the Virtual Refrigerator!
I think about about doing something similar every time I see the book, but I haven’t done it yet! Very cute!
What a fun way to extend learning about time! Thanks for sharing at The Children’s Bookshelf.
Great idea! I’m thinking of starting to teach my 5-year-old to tell time, and this might be a great way to start him off. Thanks!
I am excited to be a mommy, I just bookmarked your blog for future reference I can’t wait to do this activity with my niece on Spring! Thanks
Anne
http://randomcoolstuff101.blogspot.com
What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing at Share it Saturday!