Mr. Bear


Mr. Bear is just a plain old teddy bear that stays in our reading center. In January I tell the children that Mr. Bear is getting lonely at night when we go home. I ask if the students would be willing to take turns taking him home with them. Of course they agree. So I pull out an old bookbag and add a few things that will keep Mr. Bear company. He has a book and a journal as well as a letter (like the one below) explaining him to the parents. I also might add in a blanket or toothbrush.

Dear Family,

I was a very lonely bear until Mrs. Shaw found me at the store. She took me to school with her so that I could meet many wonderful boys and girls. It’s so much fun being in school. The reading center is my favorite part of the room. But at night when everyone goes home, I am all alone. Mrs. Shaw thought that it would be good for me to go home with a different child every day.

I have a journal so that you can write about all we do together. Since a different child will be expecting to take me home each night, please be sure that I come to school each day. Also, I don’t want to miss out on learning new things at school.

Your friend,
Mr. Bear


These are some great books to put in Mr. Bear's bag. Once each child has taken Mr. Bear home, change the book and start the rotation again.