Academics

Kindergarten Bear Day ‘08

As part of their study of bears, a multidisciplinary unit in which they learn about the physical features, habitats, and behaviors of several types of bears throughout the world, Kindergarteners have a day when each student brings to school his or her favorite teddy bear. The children play games that make use of their knowledge of the bears they have studied; line up all the bears in size order; tell the group about their special bear, an activity joined by their teachers and even Mr. Waters, the Head of School; share a snack of bear cookies and hot chocolate with their bears; and hear a story about a bear. Each child also suggests a special feature about his or her bear (Best Dressed Bear, Pinkest Bear, Biggest Bear, etc.) and receives a custom-made award for the bear that recognizes that superlative characteristic.

The bears are left in the classrooms overnight, but when the children arrive at school the next morning, they are amazed and enchanted by the sight that greets them. The bears have been having quite a time; some have climbed up onto the rafters, others are using the computers, and still others have been drawing on the whiteboard, writing notes, playing with the blocks, and generally living it up. The children’s delight is contagious.

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