by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
[adapted from: Alpena County Public Library]
Bear is going to the swimming hole, but first he must find his friends. There’s a clatter in the tree! Is it Mouse? No… “Who?” calls Bear. Something quickly scampers by! Is it Hare? No… “Who?” calls Bear.
WATCH and LISTEN to Bear’s New Friend read by author Karma Wilson for Simon Kids:
SONG: Hug Your Bear (tune: Row Row Row Your Boat)
Hug, hug, hug your bear
Squeeze him very tight
Hold him high and help him fly
Then hug with all your might.
SONG: Bears (tune: Mary Had A Little Lamb)
Grizzly bears are big and brown,
Big and brown, big and brown,
Grizzly bears are big and brown,
And live in the woods.
Polar bears are big and white,
Big and white, big and white,
Polar bears are big and white,
And live where it’s cold.
Teddy bears are just my size,
Just my size, just my size,
Teddy bears are just my size,
To cuddle with at night.
IDENTIFY animal tracks. In the story, Bear guesses who the mysterious animal might be by observing the animal’s behavior, then making an educated guess; because the mysterious animal is fast, Bear guesses it might be hare. Another way to identify an animal is by its tracks! Identify different animals you might find in your neighborhood or somewhere you like to visit.
- Make a list, then research the tracks of each animal, with you or your adult drawing a light pencil sketch and labeling as you go. After, trace each with marker, creating dotted lines to guide littler participants.
- Click here to see an example from Little Pine Learners.
EXPLORE outside. Using the tracks you’ve learned (bring your guide along!) and other things you know about animals in your neighborhood (where they live, what they eat, etc.), see if you can spot or find signs of their visits. Did you find or see anything you don’t recognize? What other information might help you identify animals?
CRAFT a paper owl using the instructions linked here. You could use little pieces of colored tissue paper instead of cutting out all those little feather pieces!
FIND more activities featuring Bear and friends! Browse and/or print this kit provided by Simon Kids, which includes puzzles, dot to dot, mazes, and other games.
Thank you to the creators, Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman, and SimonKIDS for making this video available for public use.