Today, Mrs. Hausman brought along story books that all had sleepy bears as the main character.
This first story kicked off a discussion about hibernation as there is (accurate) information about the hibernation behavior of lots of different animals. In addition to having beautiful illustrations, using autumn-ish colors throughout, the story also conveys a wonderful message of looking out for one another... when Bear sees that it's time to go to sleep for the winter, the message is passed from snails to skunks in the forest so that all are prepared for the impending season.
In the next story, it is getting cold and time for hibernation, so Old Man Winter says, "Sleep, Big Bear, sleep." But Big Bear doesn't hear very well and instead, in an attempt to follow his directions, drives a jeep, sweeps a house, climbs a steep mountain, etc. Ultimately, Old Man Winter yells loudly enough for Big Bear to understand him, and the bear heads off to his den for a much-deserved rest. Lots of chuckles from the kindergarteners during this one!
The kindergarten kids enjoyed "helping" Mrs. Hausman read our next book by whispering "-don't wake up the bear!" In this one on a winter's eve, as a bear sleeps in his cozy cave, a cold-eared hare creeps in to snuggle in his soft fur. Several animals join her to warm up various extremities. Each time she warns, "-don't wake up the bear!" A mouse is the last to arrive, curling up in his ear. However she develops the sniffles and lets loose a loud sneeze. The lumbering creature wakes up and growls and the animals scatter. The bear merely trudges off and snacks on some berries.
The final story was ...
One by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on!
As usual, Mrs. Hausman left us wanting for more stories! We can't wait to see her in December!