The Best-Loved Bear
What’s inside...
There's a best-loved bear competition at school and Tim is going to enter his teddy bear, Toby. But Toby is threadbare and very scruffy. He even has a plaster on his nose! What will everyone say when they see such an old and battered bear?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tim felt when he realized his bear might not be the fanciest or newest at school?
What does the story teach us about the importance of love and acceptance over appearance?
Why do you think Tim's classmates changed their attitude towards his bear by the end of the story?
How would you help a friend who felt bad about not having something 'cool' or 'new'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Tim’s situation and relate it to any personal experiences they might have had.
Discuss the character's emotions and actions in the story to foster empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of uniqueness and the joy of cherishing what one already possesses.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The story revolves around a young boy, Tim, and his well-worn stuffed bear as they face a 'Best Bear in the World' competition. Despite the bear's worn condition, Tim's acceptance of his imperfections demonstrates the importance of loving others irrespective of their flaws.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and cherish their peers regardless of differences, fostering a sense of inclusion and reducing bullying.
Example Lesson: Courage and Confidence
Explanation: Tim shows courage when he chooses to participate in the bear competition, even though his bear is not as glamorous as others. This act of bravery demonstrates to children that they should be confident in who they are and what they have.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face fears of inadequacy or judgment, and to participate in activities or groups confidently, promoting self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Unconditional Love
Explanation: The unconditional love Tim exhibits for his bear, regardless of its appearance, emphasizes the notion of loving unconditionally which is crucial in fostering deep, meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of loving family members and friends for who they are, not for how they look or what they possess.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite doubts and fears about the bear’s appearance, Tim perseveres and attends the competition. This element of the story promotes the value of perseverance through challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Instills the idea that perseverance can lead to rewarding experiences, even when the outcome is uncertain. Helps children in sticking with tasks or hobbies even when they are challenging.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Through the narrative, children see that Tim’s acceptance of his bear as it is helps him to also accept himself. It’s a lesson in self-acceptance, embracing one's own imperfections.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their own flaws and feel comfortable in their skin, boosting mental health and well-being.