This “Nothing Like A Good Book” (NLAGB) post is for Karma Wilson’s Bear Says Thanks. It has lively illustrations by Jane Chapman. There is “Nothing-L-A-G-B” read aloud and how it makes you feel.
“Bear Says Thanks” is my way of showing “When you know better, you do better!” That thought has been my driving force over the past two days as I update my original product. I’ve been trying to appreciate what I knew then. Then transfer that knowledge into how to create the new product. It’s okay that my summaries seem “primary” in the design now. I’m gracefully and gratefully encouraging myself in the changes I’m knowledgeable to make now. Who knows what it will look like five years from now? 🙂
Personal Book Background
This book is part of Karma Wilson’s Bear Series. My first bear book was Bear Snores On. It was in the anthology reading series that my campus used as a reading resource. The kiddos responded so well. So, I wanted to check out the rest of the series for my bear themed collection of books.
The Book
In this book, the main character, Bear is feeling lonely and bored. He decides to have a dinner with his friends, but realizes that he doesn’t have anything to prepare for them. One by one, his friends arrive bringing yummy treats, Bear feels grateful, but sad. Thanks to his friends, he learns he has something to share after all.
The Bear Says Thanks Product *updated from 17 to 74 pages*
The product…
All activities offer a choice of color or gray scale clipart. “Self-Check” cards are provided to put at a station. Or for you, when you just can’t think another thought to grade one more set. 🙂
Bear Says Thanks 28 Story Vocabulary Cards
Use the vocabulary cards to introduce the book. Place cards in a pocket chart, read through, and discuss what the story will be about. Vocabulary cards can be glued onto sentence strips with colored pictures.
Bear Says Thanks Labels
A set labels for each student (3 sets per page) to label each of the characters. Next, cut apart and glue names on the back of each character’s drawing/picture. Use drawings/pictures for retelling the story. Keep characters in Bear’s Cave when not in use (scroll for details).
Your kiddos can always draw the characters on their own. Or 8 of the 9 characters can be found for FREE at Making Learning Fun. You’ll need to have the kiddos draw an owl.
Bear Says Thanks ABC Order
There are three options with 6 words. There are two options with 12 words with two writing line choices. You can put the vocabulary cards at the station for the kiddos. They can organize and then record, if alphabetizing is a new skill.
Bear Says Thanks Word Searches
“Bear says Thanks” provides great vocabulary. There are three options with 6 words. There are two options with 12 words. The words do not share letters. The words can be backwards, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
Bear Says Thanks Fantasy and Realism: Response to Reading
Prompt- When Bear felt bored, he ____. When I feel bored, I ___. There are sections for written responses or dictation and a space to illustrate responses. Two choices of writing lines are given.
Bear Says Thanks Rainbow Words
There are two versions with 6 words. Choose 4-5 colors (crayons or colored pencils) and trace each word with each color, one at a time.
Rainbow Words & Sentence Composing
There are two versions with 6 words. Choose 4-5 colored pencils and trace each word with each color, one at a time. Then use each word to compose sentences discussing the story. There are two writing line options.
Special thanks to Whimsy Clips for the forest animals. Revisiting this book and enhancing the activities has been enjoyable and enlightening. I learned, as Bear did, that everyone has something to share. I hope you and your kiddos have a few laughs over the activities for Karma Wilson’s “Bear Says Thanks”. Happy reading!!!
Until next time,
