What happens when Bear wants to throw a feast for his friends but discovers his cupboard is empty? A whole lot of friendship, kindness, and thankfulness!
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson is one of those adorable read-alouds that brings smiles, meaningful conversations, and wonderful learning opportunities to your classroom. Bear’s friends arrive with delicious treats to share, but Bear worries because he has nothing to contribute. Fortunately, his friends remind him that everyone has something special to offer!
What a wonderful message for our little learners, especially during the season of gratitude!
Let’s Read, Write, and Have Some Beary Good Fun!
I’ve put together a delightful collection of activities to bring this sweet story to life while keeping your students engaged in meaningful learning.
Reading Comprehension Galore!
Students will explore story elements, sequencing, cause and effect, character feelings, author’s purpose, and problem and solution. They’ll recall what each animal brings to the feast, discover how Bear’s feelings change, and think about the important lesson Bear learns.
There are plenty of comprehension choices, so you can select the activities that work best for your students!
Wonderful Word Work!
Let’s have some fun with words! Students will practice ABC order, identify vowels and consonants, build new words using the letters in friendship, and work with colorful vocabulary cards featuring characters and objects from the story.
Perfect for whole-group learning, small groups, or literacy centers!
Writing with a Purpose!
What would YOU bring to Bear’s feast?
Students will love imagining their own special treat for Bear, retelling the story, and writing about the people and things they are thankful for.
Prewriting organizers and differentiated writing pages help make writing successful for a variety of learners.
A Little Math Fun, Too!
Who says a book companion has to be all about reading?
Grab some dice and enjoy a Bear-themed subtraction game! Students practice their subtraction skills while traveling along the game board, visiting Bear’s friends, and trying to reach the finish.
An Adorable Bear Craft!
Of course, we need a little creativity!
Students can make their own sweet bear craft and pair it with their writing for a bulletin board that is sure to bring smiles.
How cute would “A Beary Thankful Classroom!” look hanging in your hallway?
So Much More Than a Thanksgiving Story!
One of my favorite things about Bear Says Thanks is its beautiful reminder that sharing doesn’t always mean giving something you can hold in your hands.
Sometimes the greatest gifts are our stories, our kindness, our friendship, and simply spending time together.
This resource is filled with flexible activities that allow you to combine reading, writing, word work, math, and creativity while celebrating those important lessons.
Whether you’re planning a November read-aloud, looking for Thanksgiving literacy activities, or simply celebrating kindness and friendship, Bear Says Thanks is a wonderful choice!
Here’s to thankful hearts, happy learners, and a classroom full of beary special friends!
Happy Teaching!
Michele
First Grade Hip Hip Hooray
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