The Very Hungry Caterpillar helps kids practice and improve the following skills:

Flexibility:  Trying something new.

For very young audiences, The Very Hungry Caterpillar can be a way of practicing their flexibility skills. Because there are so many options for play within the game, the user can pick and choose what they want to do with their caterpillar companion, and change the activities the next time they open the game. Flexibility is an important skill for young children to learn, and this game gently encourages them to try new activities, whether it be exploring, blowing bubbles, watering plants, painting, or sorting shapes. For children who struggle with flexibility, this game might be a good way to introduce trying new things in a low stakes, colorful, no-stress environment. 

Planning: Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.

The ultimate goal of the app is to turn your caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. You do this by feeding them and playing with them. There are two bars at the top left of the screen that show you how well-fed and happy your caterpillar is. When the bars are filled, the caterpillar will go to sleep and the next day he will be a cocoon that transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This goal introduces planning to very young children because they need to think of things to do with the caterpillar that will move the play bar along and how they can make sure that the caterpillar is well-fed. Talking through the process with your child can gently promote the idea that planning is important in this game and in other areas of life.