We're Going on a Bear Hunt

"Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen and illustrated Helen Oxenbury, is a classic children's book that reads like a song or chant. During library we talk about different ways to tell a story, song and rhyme are really fun storytelling elements that we don't always see in picture books. With this particular children's book, once you know the words it is difficult not to sing along - or at very least hum!

Enjoy this animated story of "We're Going On A Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury taken from YouTube.

Below are some fun activities to try after listening to the story! 

1. "We're Going on A Bear Hunt" Guided Yoga from Cosmic Kids.

2. Geocaching: Download the free app and go on an adventure of your own, minus the bear. 

3. Experience bears at a safe distance by watching some live bear cams

 Grouse Mountain's LIVE bear cams

Explore.Org's LIVE brown bear cams 

4. Learn some fun facts about bears on Wonderopolis.org

"Who Takes the Longest Nap?" 

Why Are Polar Bears White?

Where Do Spirit Bears Live?

5. Learn how to draw a Grizzly bear at Art For Kids Hub 

6. Enjoy more books about bears online  

7. Organize a neighborhood Bear Hunt. 
See how communities around the globe have been "hunting" bears on their own block in the video clip below.

Let's READ Barbara Reid!

Barbara Reid's children's books are some of my most favourite picture books, and I was so excited to introduce you to them after Spring Break.  The stories are great, but my favourite part of these books are the pictures. Barbara Reid uses plasticine to create beautiful, and delightfully detailed images. They are so unique, and really bring the story to life.

Below is a video of Barbara Reid reading her book "Perfect Snow" taken from her You Tube Channel (BarbaraReidAuthor). I hope you enjoy the story, but if you're like me the pictures may just steal the show!

 

  The pictures in a book can be such a powerful tool in storytelling, Barbara Reid's work always reminds me of this. I know each of you have a story to tell, so I wanted to give you each the chance to work with plasticine to create your own images. You can still do this from home. If you don't have access to plasticine you can use play dough. I will include a recipe for homemade play dough at the end of this post if you don't have any at home already. 

 Barbara Reid has many different video tutorials on her YouTube Channel that help guide and inspire art with plasticine. Below, I have posted the video about Spring trees.  I hope it inspires you to get creative!  I will be posting pictures of my plasticine art on my instagram (andersonslittlelibrary) and would love to see yours too! You can e-mail them to me (micanderson@sd73.bc.ca) or post them on Instagram (with an adult's permission) using the hashtag #andersonslittlelibraryart. 

 

Homemade Play-Dough Recipe: 

         Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 tbs oil
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2-3 drops liquid food colouring
  
  Method:
  1. Mix the flour and salt together.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  3. Once combined, knead the dough. 
  4. Add more flour if the dough feels too moist/ or more water if too dry.

Getting Started

It's been hard to keep up with all of the great, free resources and activities popping up in response to our schools closing, but Common Sense Media has created a pretty great list to help! The list is frequently updated, and includes links. Categories include virtual story times, virtual drawing lessons, music classes and performances, lesson plans, virtual tours, and fun games. Check it out here:  Free Online Events & Activities

Also, our Destiny Home page now has some useful links for students, teachers and parents.


Although I miss being the one reading the stories, I have enjoyed listening to read alouds and joining in on virtual story times. I hope you find some that you enjoy too! 

We Can Do Hard Things

Source: Google Images

Until recently I have been using Instagram (@andersonslittlelibrary) as my main method of sharing library events. With all that is happening in our communities right now, I wanted to come back to this space and use it as another (more in depth) way to connect and share.

Right now so many things are uncertain, but here are some things that I do know for certain:

1. I care deeply about all of our students, and miss their presence in the library so, so much.
2. I am here and available to connect with.
3. The education community is AMAZING and so many educators, authors, illustrators, etc. are stepping up and creating digital content to keep us all engaged and learning while we need to be apart. 
4. We can all do hard things.


I am still learning how to be your librarian digitally. So it may take me some time to get it right.  Be patient. Be safe. Be kind.