This “Nothing Like A Good Book” (NLAGB) post is for Karma Wilson’s Bear Stays Up for Christmas, with wonderful illustrations by Jane Chapman. There is “Nothing-L-A-G-B” read aloud and how it makes you feel.
Personal Background with the book
Bear Stays Up for Christmas was not my first encounter with Karma Wilson’s wonderful rhyming or Jane Chapman’s lively illustrations. I was first introduced to this dynamic duo through Bear Snores On. It was in an anthology my district adopted for Reading instruction. I was amazed at the way the kiddos immediately chimmed in for the repeating refrains. Afterwards, I thought I bet there are other titles by this duo they would enjoy. And, boy was I right! Even the kiddos that do not celebrate Christmas were amused with this delightful tale of friendship.
Book Summary
Bear’s friends decide no hibernation yet for him. He must stay up for Christmas. So Wren, Raven, Mole, Gopher, Mouse, Hare, and Badger have plans to keep his busy. They sing songs, enjoy a hot drink, yummy food, and even go and get a tree for Bear’s lair to decorate. But, will Bear stay awake? Will his friends stay awake? Bear and his friends are so busy preparing surprises for each other, that they miss the biggest surprise of them all.
The Product
All activities offer a choice of color or grayscale clipart!
34 Vocabulary Cards
Use the vocabulary cards to introduce the book. Place cards in a pocket chart or in view of the students, read through, and discuss what the story could be about. Vocabulary cards can be glued onto sentence strips with colored pictures.
Caves, Walls, Labels, Oh my!
- BEAR’S CAVE Fold a 9 x 12 sheet of brown construction paper in half and glued the sides for the “cave” and to keep the characters altogether when not in use for retelling the story.
- Make word wall words- Character names in a large font print as is or glued onto sentence strips with colored pictures.
- A set of labels for each student (3 sets per page) to identify the characters (cut apart and glue names on the back of each character’s drawing/picture). Use the drawings/pictures for retelling the story.
A,B,C Order
There are five 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 to organize and then record, if alphabetizing is a new or unmastered skill. “Self-Check” cards are provided to put at a station or for you, when you just can’t think another thought to grade.
Word Searches
There are five 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. “Self-Check” cards are provided to put at a station or for you, when you just can’t think another thought to grade.
Fantasy and Realism: Reading Response
The Writing prompt is designed to be copied back & front- The night before Christmas, Bear _____. The night before Christmas, I ____. (Not celebrating Christmas, use Option 2 The night before the holiday, I ____. for page 2)
Make an anchor chart to review the events in the story. Use that chart as a comparison to chart/record what the kiddos will do the night before Christmas with their friends/family. Also, make a list of other holidays the kiddos could compare instead of Christmas and use the second Reading Response options for Page 2. There are sections for written responses or dictation and a space to illustrate responses. Two choices of writing lines are given. Reading Response Examples are provided.
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. Sample example is provided.
Rainbow Words and Sentences
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. Reading Response Examples are provided.
Whew! It’s been a busy couple of days!!! I’ve redesigned the products to accompany Karma Wilson’s Bear Stays Up for Christmas . There are new Geometry and Data Analysis activities and the ELA activities you just scrolled through. Bless your heart for reading the entire post!!! I hope you have found something to use with your kiddos.
Until next time, surprise someone!
