The Three Bears (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)
Paul Galdone Classics Series
on Goodreads (631)
What’s inside...
This familiar nursery tale features a warmly appealing bear family and a naughty, gap-toothed Goldilocks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Baby Bear
Papa Bear
Mama Bear
Goldilocks
Discussion points
What do you think Goldilocks felt when she saw the three different sizes of chairs, porridge bowls, and beds?
Why do you think it was important that Goldilocks tried all three options before deciding which one she liked best?
How do you think the bears felt when they found out someone had been in their house?
If you were Goldilocks, what would you have done differently?
What does this story teach us about respecting other people’s belongings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ actions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the consequences of Goldilocks’ actions to highlight the importance of respect and responsibility.
Use the differences between the three bears’ choices to talk about diversity and personal preferences in a positive light.
Prompt your child to think about alternative endings to the story, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Connect the story’s lessons to real-life situations to reinforce values and teachings in a relatable way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for others' property
Explanation: Goldilocks enters the Three Bears’ home without permission and uses their belongings. This demonstrates a lack of respect for others’ property.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of asking for permission before using something that does not belong to them, reinforcing boundaries and respect in social settings.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: When the bears return and find out what Goldilocks has done, she gets a fright. This part of the story teaches that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that their actions affect others and encourages them to think about the consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: The story highlights differences in preferences among the bears, such as different sizes of chairs, beds, and porridge temperatures.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate that everyone has unique preferences and needs, promoting empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Goldilocks tries different chairs, bowls of porridge, and beds until she finds the one that suits her best.
Real-World Application: Children learn about trial and error and making decisions based on personal experience.