We can bear-ly wait for this week's fun! Read, sing, and play with us as we explore bears!
#READ: The Bear Went Over the Mountain by Iza Trapani
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
In this expanded version of the traditional song, a bear goes exploring near his home in the mountains, using all five senses throughout the four seasons.
Increase pre-literacy skills as you read together:
- Together, sing the repeated chorus "The bear went over the mountain... To see what he could see" to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."
- As you read about bear's five senses, ask your little one what body parts they use to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
- Define words your little one may not know.
- Flitting- flying
- Nipping- biting
- Decaying- breaking down
- Farewell- goodbye
#SING: Two Little Black Bears
Two little black bears sitting on a hill.
One named Jack, the other named Jill.
Run away Jack, run away Jill.
Come back Jack, come back Jill.
Two little black bears digging in the snow.
One named Fast, the other named Slow.
Run away Fast, run away Slow.
Come back Fast, come back Slow.
Two little black bears feeling very proud.
One named Quiet, the other named Loud.
Run away Quiet, run away Loud.
Come back Quiet, come back Loud.
#EXPLORE: The Bear Went Over the Mountain Hike
Instructions:
- Get ready to go on an outdoor walk or hike! This could be in a neighborhood, a park, a beach, etc.
- As you are walking, choose one of the five senses to explore with your little one and then sing the verse "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" together, naming the sense in the last line.
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
The bear went over the mountain,
To [see/hear/smell/touch/taste] what he could [see/hear/smell/touch/taste]!
- After singing the verse, ask your little one what they can identify with that sense.
- What can they see? What can they hear? What can they smell? What can they touch? What can they taste (if applicable)?
- Continue on your walk, choosing senses and singing the verse periodically as you go.
#JOIN: For more bear fun, visit us virtually or in-person for storytime!
Pop-Up Storytime
Join us for a storytime either outside of our library or in the community! Your child loves singing, dancing, playing and reading! Gather them around for a storytime they won’t forget featuring Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Little Readers
B is for bear! This literacy-based program is for children from birth to pre-k and their families. We will sing, talk, read, write, and play together to develop the pre-literacy skills your little ones need to get ready to read and write. We will share Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Virtual Little Movers & Shakers
Let’s get the wiggles out! This music-based program is for children from birth to pre-k and their families. Through books, songs, and movement activities we will build pre-literacy skills. Get moving with We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Tiptoe Joe by Ginger Foglesong Gibson.
