This bear curriculum aims to build upon the interest and curiosity that has been sparked by recent bear sightings in the Boston area, particularly in Newton, Arlington, and Lexington. These sightings have garnered significant media attention and have become the talk of the town. We believe that by incorporating this real-life phenomenon into our curriculum, we can captivate our students’ imaginations and foster their love for learning.

Bears are fascinating creatures, and their presence in our community has created a unique opportunity for us to delve deeper into their world. By dedicating an entire week to the study of bears, we aim to explore various aspects of these magnificent animals, including their habitats, behaviors, and importance in the natural world. Our curriculum will encompass engaging activities, stimulating discussions, and captivating books to provide a well-rounded learning experience for our young learners.

We understand the importance of capitalizing on children’s interests and incorporating real-life events into their educational journey. The recent bear sightings have sparked curiosity and conversations among the children and the wider community. By embracing this interest, we can create an environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Throughout this week, we will be using a collection of carefully selected books that cater to different aspects of bear knowledge, from National Geographic Readers to captivating storybooks. These books will serve as a foundation for our discussions and activities, allowing the children to expand their vocabulary, enhance their listening skills, and develop a love for reading.

In addition to reading, our curriculum includes art activities that encourage creativity and self-expression. Through hands-on projects like bear collages, paw prints, masks, and finger puppets, our students will have the opportunity to engage in artistic exploration while further reinforcing their understanding of bears. These activities aim to stimulate their fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and ability to follow instructions.

We will kick off our bear week curriculum by inviting the preschool students to share their existing knowledge and questions about bears. This initial activity will not only empower them to become active participants in their own learning but also provide valuable insights into their interests and curiosities. By addressing their questions and encouraging their curiosity, we hope to foster a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for the natural world.

Day 1:

Activity: Bear Discussion

- Begin the bear week curriculum by gathering the preschool students and asking them what they know about bears. Encourage them to share their thoughts, experiences, and any questions they may have about bears.

Day 2:

Book: National Geographic Readers: Bears by National Geographic Kids

- Read the book to the preschool students, engaging them in discussions about different types of bears, their habitats, and unique characteristics.

Activity: Bear Collage

- Provide materials like colored paper, glue, and markers to allow the students to create their own bear collages. Encourage them to be creative with different shapes and textures.

Day 3:

Book: Our Amazing World: Bears by Kay De Silva

- Read the book to the preschool students, focusing on interesting facts about bears from around the world. Discuss their appearances, behaviors, and the importance of conservation.

Activity: Bear Paw Prints

- Create bear paw print templates using sponges or cutouts. Provide washable paint and let the students dip the templates into the paint, then make paw prints on paper. Talk about the different sizes and shapes of bear paws.

Day 4:

Book: American Black Bears by Molly Kolpin

- Read the book to the preschool students, specifically exploring the characteristics and habitats of American black bears. Discuss their diet, hibernation, and interactions with humans.

Activity: Bear Masks

- Provide paper plates, markers, and craft materials like paper, cotton balls, and pipe cleaners. Help the students create bear masks, allowing them to personalize their designs.

Day 5:

Book: Mr. Bear Goes to Boston by Marion Flood French

- Read the book to the preschool students, introducing them to a fictional story about a bear's adventure in a city. Discuss the differences between bears' natural habitats and urban environments.

Activity: Bear Den Building

- Set up a pretend play area where students can use cushions, blankets, and other materials to build bear dens. Encourage imaginative play and discuss the importance of dens for bears' survival.

Day 6:

Book: Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

- Read the book to the preschool students, focusing on the concept of hibernation and how bears prepare for winter. Discuss their behaviors during hibernation and the reasons behind it.

Activity: Bear Finger Puppets

- Provide craft materials such as felt, googly eyes, and glue. Help the students create their own bear finger puppets. Encourage them to use the puppets to act out parts of the story or create their own bear tales.

Day 7:

Review and Recap

- Take some time to review what the students have learned throughout the bear week curriculum. Encourage them to share their favorite bear facts or moments from the activities and books. Answer any remaining questions they may have.

Activity: Bear Drawings

- Provide paper and art supplies, and let the preschool students draw their favorite bear or create their own imaginative bear characters. Celebrate their creativity and wrap up the bear-themed week on a positive note.

Remember to adapt the activities and discussions based on the age and abilities of the preschool students. Enjoy exploring the world of bears together!