For over 20 years, 1st graders at Ursuline have celebrated Bear Week during the winter. Talk about a longstanding tradition! Over the course of the week, children participate in all things bear!

 

A variety of subject areas are represented as the children read and learn about fictional and real-life bears. Can you think of a better way to read than hibernating with a beary good book while in pajamas? In math, they measured their teddy bears, sorted and tallied gummy bears, and used critical thinking skills when solving story problems. Taste testing? Yes, please! What is your favorite bear food? The 1st graders chose between tuna, honey, and strawberry jam, then graphed their favorite and least favorite snacks. 

 

The culminating project on Friday involves the students presenting their fictional bears which they created at home. During our Bear Fair, they experience public speaking, including a question and answer portion in front of peers, parents, and special friends. It's always fun to parade around to the different classes to share our bears and hear the other students say, "Oh, it's Bear Fair! I remember that!"