We had a lot of fun with bears in our TTh class this week. What did we learn about bears? We learned that brown bears are BIG! Ask your child if they remember the smallest bear (the sun bear). We learned bears have thick fur, sharp teeth and claws. Polar bears are good swimmers. Bears eat meat (intro vocabulary-carnivore) and nuts & berries (another vocabulary word-herbivores). We also learned bears do not see very well but their sense of smell is really good. We also learned baby bears are called cubs.
We created two bear crafts. The pictures are actual student work. Please remember we do not move pieces for the children. When I give directions, we talk about shapes, colors and spatial relationships (top, bottom, inside, above, below, etc.) I also create the craft along with the children so they can visually see where pieces are to be placed. It's listening and following teacher directions within a large group. It is a learning process and the children are getting better all the time!
We read Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Polar Bear, Polar Bear books.
We also have been having lots and lots of fun with the book Going on a Bear Hunt. I love this version by Michael Rosen with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury. Check it out at your local library or the book store. Warning: We are pretty animated when we read this book at school. It is an activity we do together with lots and lots of movement. Your child should be able to take you on a bear hunt at home. Don't be scared!
