Hungry Bears

What's better than a hungry bear in winter time? Instead of having a storytime just about bears (too easy, I say!) I decided to delve a little deeper.

Rhymes/Fingerplays/Songs:

1. Bear Came Along
Five red apples, sweet to the core.
Bear came and ate one and then there were four.
Four red apples, swinging in a tree.
Bear came and ate one and then there were three.
Three red apples, one for you and you and you.
Bear came and ate one and then there were two.
Two red apples, shining in the sun.
Bear came and ate one and then there was one.
One red apple, left all alone.
Bear came and ate one and then there was none.
Source: Abby the Librarian


2. Going On a Bear Hunt
(Audience echoes each line and sets up a clap/lap-slapping rhythm)
We're going on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Mud! Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
(Make sloshing sounds and move hands as if sloshing through mud)

Following verses:
Sticks (Snap fingers) 
Trees (Make gestures climbing up and down)
Gate (Make gate-opening gestures)
River (Make swimming gestures)
~Reverse all motions quickly to get home~
Source: Sur La Lune

3. A Little Brown Bear
A little brown bear
Went in search of some honey. (hand over eyes like a visor)
Isn't it funny, a bear wanting honey? (tilt head to side)
He sniffed at the breeze, (sniff a couple times)
And listened for bees, (cup hand behind ear)
And, would you believe it,
He even climbed trees! (make climbing movements)
Source: Yorba Linda Public Library

Books:

1. "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR" by Don and Audrey Wood

2. "Jamberry" by Bruce Degen