PreschoolKindergarten

Objectives  Students will listen to a story and make connections to their own experiences. Students will orally express an idea to the class.  Students will write their names and dictate sentences. Materials Needed Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber Parent letter Name Badge template Lakeshore Crayon Packs Preparation A week prior to the activity, send home the parent letter, which explains the activity and encourages students to participate by bringing a special stuffed animal. Introduction Have students sit in a circle on the floor. Invite them to bring their stuffed animals with them. Read aloud Ira Sleeps Over. After you have read the story, ask students, Why do you think Ira decides to return to his house to get his teddy bear? (His teddy bear helps him feel safe and secure. When he sees that his friend sleeps with a teddy bear, he is not embarrassed to have his own.) Explain that when we are in a new place (like a new classroom) or have a new experience (like attending the first week of the new school year), it helps to have a friend with us. A special teddy bear or other stuffed animal can help us to feel less nervous and less alone. Procedure 1.  One at a time, invite students to introduce their stuffed animals to the class. Prompt students to tell the name of their animal and one thing that makes the animal special to them. 2.  Have students return to their seats. Give each student a copy of the Name Badge template and crayons. 3.  Encourage students to color their badges. Help them fill in the blanks with their animals name, their own name and one thing that makes their animal special to them. If students cant write the information on their own, have them dictate to you as you complete the sentences. (You may want to have another adult available to help with this step.) 4.  Punch two holes in the top of each students badge. Thread yarn or string through the holes so that students can hang the badges around their animals necks. 5.  Have students carry their animals as you take them on a Teddy Bear Parade. As you tour the campus, be sure to point out places that may not be familiar to students, such as the library, office and auditorium.
Lakeshore www.lakeshorelearning.com

Yarn or string Hole punch

Dear Parent,

On ______________________________, our class will have a Teddy Bear Parade! Please help your child select a teddy bear (or other special stu ed animal) to bring to school on that day.

During class, students will introduce their bears and share why the bears are special to them. Then students will make name badges for their teddy bears to wear in the parade. We will parade around the school grounds, helping children become more familiar with our school environment along the way.

You are invited to join us for the parade, which will begin at _________________ outside our classroom!

Thank you for your participation!

Sincerely,

__________________________________

Hello, my name is ____________________. I belong to ____________________. I am special because ____________________ ____________________ ___________________.
Lakeshore

www.lakeshorelearning.com