Where's My Teddy? by Jez Alborough

"Help!" said Eddie.  "I'm scared already!  I want my bed!  I want my teddy!"

"Where's My Teddy?" by Jez Alborough

What would you do if you lost your teddy?  What if you lost it in the woods somewhere?  Tell me, would you be scared?  Questions to ask before beginning this curious tale about a boy, a bear and their teddy's.

To embark on this Teddy Bear Adventure all you need is:

1. the book "Where's My Teddy?" (use the library!) 

2. a teddy bear  (preferably the child's own)

3. a few clever hiding spots

4. a picnic blanket and a couple peanut butter and honey sandwiches…if you choose.

Use your own creativity for this activity…you don't HAVE to follow my directions exactly!  

First: Read the book, ask questions, have a short discussion…"What surprised you most about this story?"  "Who was your favorite character and why?"  "Which part of the story did you like the most?"

(not too long, a couple minutes TOPS…or else you'll lose them!)

Second: Have the child grab their own teddy.  Allow them a minute to explain what they love about their teddy.  Ask the child to leave the room and count to 15.  Ask them to return when they are finished counting.  While the child is counting, hide their teddy.  Don't make it too hard to find or the child will lose interest, depending on their age.  Be creative!  (if your super enthusiastic, you can play this hiding game, in a similar way to Elf on the Shelf, hiding it in a new spot for a few days before or after this book activity.)

*for a group of children, I alter this a bit.  They each bring their own teddy from home.  I hide them all, while they are involved in another "bear" activity.  We find them later when the children realize, "They're LOST!?"*

suggested hiding spots...

teddy is 'snuggly' in the blanket

place teddy behind child's photo
"teddy loves you!"

in a kitchen cabinet
teddy is hungry…let's have a picnic!

teddy went out to play!

Third: (optional) When teddy's are safe and sound with their own little owner, sit down for a teddy bear picnic.  Eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches…because, a bear LOVES his honey!  Create a final discussion about the book:  "What was Eddie's reaction to the GIANT TEDDY?"  "What was bear holding when Eddie saw him?"  "Tell me about how the story ended."  

That's it…YOU DID IT!  You just spent a quality 15 minutes with your beloved little one!  

"Where's My Teddy" is/was APPROVED by these 2 special girls…my girls!  We tirelessly read this book over and over again, to the point that I memorized it.  I can still recite this book from memory, because my book club and preschool kids loved it as well.  Big pictures, simple writing and rhyming make this book a very fun read!  Book and activity scrutinized by ages 3 up to 8 (and beyond!).

Peace!

Lisa

questions? suggestions? …. then leave a comment please!