September 9th is National Teddy Bear Day. It is the perfect day to bring out all your teddy bears and thank them for their companionship, the wonderful moments you’ve shared, and all the days and nights they’ve cuddled with us. Theodore Roosevelt is the President behind the creation of the Teddy Bear. A Berryman cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt and the bear cub he would not shoot inspired New York store owner Morris Michtom. He created a new toy and even had a name in mind. Michtom wrote President Roosevelt to ask permission to name the new toy a “Teddy Bear.” Through the years we have a Teddy Bear that has become special to so many. The resource shown here is provided to help you celebrate Teddy Bear Day. You might even create a bulletin board titled: A “BEARY” Nice Class. There is a bear craft perfect just for this. The resource also includes literature suggestions. My favorites are Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Corduroy. Both provide wonderful opportunities for creative thinking and discussion. I have included vocabulary, word work, paragraph organizers, writing opportunities and two teddy bear games. Have your class bring in their own teddy bears (an invitation is included) and prepare a time to snack and picnic with these special “friends”.
