🐻 We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
Grab your binoculars and your bravest smiles, little adventurers, because we're off on a swishy-swashy, splashy-sploshy bear hunt!
Gather your little explorers, because today we’re tiptoeing, splashing, and squelching our way into a classic adventure! Michael Rosen’s “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a rhythmic romp that invites children to join in every swishy-swashy step. Get ready to chant along as we chase a fluffy, friendly bear through a world of wonder!
💡 Swishy Swashy Sensory Bin!
Fill a bin with water, grass, and pebbles for a tactile adventure through the "long wavy grass" and "thick oozy mud."
About the Story
Get ready for a swishy swashy, splashy sploshy adventure with a brave family and their trusty dog! Join them as they tiptoe, squelch, and stumble through a wild and wonderful world, all in search of a big, furry bear. From tall, wavy grass to a deep, cold river, and even a thick, oozy mud, every step is a new challenge. Can they overcome these tricky obstacles and complete their bear hunt?
This classic tale is a celebration of courage, teamwork, and the magic of make-believe! Your little explorers will love joining in with the repetitive sounds and actions, feeling like they’re right there with the family, squishing through the mud and splashing through the water.
Themes & Lessons
Bravery shines through as the family ventures out, facing each obstacle with a determined “We’re not scared!” Family is at the heart of the adventure, with everyone sticking together, from the littlest one to the grown-ups, showing the power of togetherness. Nature comes alive as they swish through grass, splash through rivers, and squelch through mud, inviting children to imagine the sounds and textures of the great outdoors. And Perseverance is key, as they keep going and going, even when things get a little squishy or a bit chilly, reminding us that sometimes the best adventures require a little grit!
For Parents – Activity ideas!
- Swishy Swashy Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with water, grass, and pebbles for a tactile adventure through the “long wavy grass” and “thick oozy mud.”
- Bear hunt Map: Draw a giant map of the bear hunt journey on a large sheet of paper and use toys or drawings to re-enact each obstacle.
- Cave Creation: Gather blankets and pillows to build your very own “narrow gloomy cave” and snuggle inside for a cozy story time.
For Teachers
“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” is a treasure trove for early learners! Its rich, descriptive language (“swishy swashy grass,” “squelchy squerchy mud”) invites children to explore their senses and build vocabulary. The rhythmic repetition is a powerful tool for memory and language acquisition, allowing little ones to predict and participate with glee. Furthermore, the clear, sequential journey through different environments naturally fosters an understanding of order and narrative structure, laying crucial foundations for literacy and problem-solving skills.
Lesson Plan Ideas
| Format | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Class | Sound Story Adventure | As the teacher reads, children make the sounds and actions for each obstacle (e.g., swishy swashy for grass, splishy splashy for river). |
| Small Groups | Bear Hunt Map Makers | Children work together to draw their own maps of the bear hunt journey, adding imaginative new obstacles and a secret bear cave. |
| Independent | Sensory Bin Story Retell | Provide individual bins with materials representing each obstacle (e.g., green paper strips for grass, blue fabric for river) for children to retell the story by moving a bear toy through them. |
Watch the animated story!
⚠️ Screen Time Reminder
Experts agree, screen time is best kept short and shared! When you do press play, choose wholesome, calming stories and watch together to turn screen time into bonding time.
About the Author
Meet Michael Rosen, a master storyteller who sprinkles magic into every word! He invites little adventurers to join his playful journeys, from tiptoeing through tall, wavy grass to splashing through a deep, cold river in his beloved “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.” With his rhythmic tales and joyful spirit, Michael helps children discover the wonder of language and the thrill of imagination.
📖 Story Time Style
Theme: Adventure & Bravery 🌟 Style: Energetic & Rhythmic 🌈 Ages: 2–5 years old 👦👧
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