Hey Reader!

It’s week 4 of our summer book series! Are you loving it?!

A well-loved read aloud is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Children love the repetitive language, dramatic storytelling, and playful adventure through swishy grass, deep rivers, thick mud, and dark forests. It’s a great book for integrating movement all over the place!

But beneath all the fun is a beautiful reminder about courage and resilience.

Throughout the story, the family encounters obstacle after obstacle. Each time, they repeat:
​“We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!”

What a powerful truth for young children—and for us!

Life will always include challenges, fears, and uncertain moments. Children experience this too: separation anxiety, new environments, friendship struggles, big emotions, and trying unfamiliar things. As early childhood teachers and caregivers, we have the privilege of helping children learn that they are capable, supported, and never alone.

This story also creates a natural spiritual connection. Scripture reminds us repeatedly:

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.” — Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Isaiah 41:10

Just as the family moved through each obstacle together, we can help children understand that God walks with us through difficult moments too! We build grit and resilience and confidence and faith when we do hard things with God and with each other.

Here are some fun, easy activities to add to the learning experience:

BABIES

Sensory Sound Adventure
​Create soft sensory baskets inspired by the story: grass textures, water sounds, crinkly leaves, or soft mud-colored fabric. Narrate gently as babies explore:
“Swishy swashy grass!”

TODDLERS

Movement Story Walk
​Retell the story while acting out each part together—stomping, splashing, tiptoeing, and swishing. Toddlers thrive on repetition and movement.

TWOS

Obstacle Path
​Set up a simple indoor obstacle course using pillows, tape lines, tunnels, or fabric. Encourage children: “We can go THROUGH it!”

PRE-K

Bear Hunt Map Making
​Invite children to draw or build the different settings from the story using blocks, art materials, or loose parts. Talk about times they’ve had to be brave.

KINDER

Courage Conversations
​Ask children:

• What does it mean to be brave?
• When have you felt nervous?
• Who helps you feel safe?

Create a class “Bravery Book” with children’s drawings and words.

Stories like Bear Hunt remind us that wonderful learning happens when literacy, imagination, movement, relationships, and faith-filled conversations come together. Sometimes these simple beloved books carry really deep Truth.

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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