Bears in My Bed
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
A little boy wakes up one morning to find two big, furry, friendly bears in his bed. The bears don't talk, but they follow him everywhere and join in on his daily activities. Despite the boy's efforts to prove their existence, his mother won't believe the animals are there, leaving the child to handle the situation on his own. The story is filled with adorable illustrations of the bears playing, eating, and relaxing, adding a delightful touch to the tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you found bears in your bed? What would you do first?
Why do you think the bears chose to come into the house? What do you think they are looking for?
Can you describe the bears' personalities? Which bear would you want to be friends with and why?
What would you offer the bears if they were hungry? Can you think of a fun snack you both could share?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in different places, like a forest or a city?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story. Ask them to think about their reactions and feelings if they were the characters.
Discuss the theme of curiosity and exploration. Highlight how the bears’ curiosity led them to the house and ask your child about times they’ve felt curious.
Foster empathy by discussing each bear's characteristics and emotions. Guide your child to talk about the feelings of each bear.
Make connections to real-life scenarios. Relate the story’s events to familiar situations to enhance comprehension and engagement.
Encourage creativity by asking your child to invent an alternative ending or a new adventure for the bears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Curiosity
Explanation: The story follows a child's imaginative journey with bears in their bed, exploring the themes of curiosity and adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own imaginations and inquire about the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Understanding Boundaries
Explanation: As the child in the book navigates their interactions with the bears, they learn about personal space and respecting others’ boundaries.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to respect the personal space of others, enhancing their social interactions and empathy.
Example Lesson: Handling Fear
Explanation: The protagonist faces initial fear of the unknown, which is a common theme when meeting the bears, but learns to overcome it through understanding and friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children deal with their own fears and anxieties, teaching them resilience and bravery in new or unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sleep
Explanation: The story emphasizes the need for a good night's sleep amidst the fun and chaos brought by the imaginary bears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of rest and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, crucial for their overall growth and development.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Play
Explanation: The interactions with bears highlight the use of play and creativity as methods for learning and enjoyment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play, boosting their cognitive skills and encouraging emotional expression through imaginative scenarios.