“Bears” preschool storytime

Opening Song
I wiggle my fingers. I wiggle my toes.
I wiggle my ears. I wiggle my nose.
I wiggle my shoulders. I wiggle my chin.
I stretch my arms wide and pull them back in.
I wiggle my elbows. I wiggle my knees.
I hop like a bunny. I smile and say, “Cheese!”
Now I have no more wiggles left in me
And I sit on the floor as still as can be.
Source: Storytime with Jason

Book – There’s a Bear on my Chair by Ross Collins

Felt Board – A-hunting We Will Go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go!
We’ll catch a fox and put him in a box,
And then we’ll let him go.
mouse…put her in a house
frog…put him on a log
goat…put her in a boat
bear…put him in a chair
owl … put her in a towel
Source: King County Library System

Book – Big Bear, Small Mouse by Karma Wilson

Song-Preschool of Rock’s “Growing Bigger“

This is Big
This is big, big, big.
(Stretch hands far to side)
This is small, small, small.
(Cup hands together over lap)
This is short, short, short.
(Hold palms horizontally, close)
This is tall, tall, tall.
(Hold palms horizontally, far apart)
This is fast, fast, fast. (roll hands quickly)
This is slow, slow, slow. (roll hands slowly)
This is yes, yes, yes. (nod)
This is no, no, no! (shake head)
Source: Mel’s Desk and (shameless self-promotion) Storyblocks

Book – Can You Growl like a Bear? by John Butler

Song: Caspar Babypants’ “Stompy the Bear” with felt board

Where is Bear?
Where is bear? Where is bear?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you this winter?
Very tired, thank you.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep.
“WAKE UP BEAR”
Source: Storytime Katie

Here is a Cave
Here is a cave (Make a cave out of one hand)
Inside is a bear.
(Put your thumb into the cave)
Now he comes out
To get some fresh air. (Take thumb out)
He stays out all summer
In sunshine and heat.
He hunts in the forest
For berries to eat.
When snow starts to fall
He hurries inside
His warm little cave
And there he will hide.
(Put thumb back into the cave)
Snow covers the cave
Like a fluffy white rug.
Inside the bear sleeps
All cozy and snug.
(Place your other hand over the cave)
Source: Preschool Express

Goodbye
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as high as we can
Good-bye! (in high, squeaky voice)
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as low as we can
Good-bye! (in a deep voice)
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as fast as we can
Good-bye! (very quick)
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as slow as we can
Good-bye! (very slowly and drawn out)
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as quiet as we can
Good-bye! (in a whisper)
Bread and butter, marmalade and jam
Let’s say good-bye as loud as we can
GOOD-BYE! (yelling)
Source: Jbrary

Early literacy tip: Exploring emotions through stories and books is a safe way to process potentially fearful situations and feelings. Kids can feel safe when reading these stories with trusted adults while at the same time still developing the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to navigate unknown situations.

Other books that could work for this theme
The Red Fruit by Lee Gee Eun

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