Teddy Bears Picnic

Teddy Bear's Picnic

According to tradition the teddy bear got it's start in America with a cartoon. In 1902 the cartoon showed the then President, Theodore Roosevelt refusing to shoot a baby bear while out hunting. This cartoon inspired Morris and Rose Michtom of New York to make a bear in honor of the President's actions, calling their bear "Teddy's Bear". The demand for the bear was so high because it looked sweet and innocent that the Michtoms, partnering with the Butler Brothers, founded Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.

Over in Germany, Richard Steiff was working for his Aunt Margarete in her stuffed toy business. Richard loved to sketch animals at the Stuttgart Zoo, his favourites being the bears, so in 1902 the Steiff firm made a toy bear based on Richard's designs.

Because of the distance involved and lack of communication between continents neither the Michtons or the Steiffs knew of each others bears until 1903 when an American toy buyer was visiting the Leipzig Toy Fair. He knew of the teddy fever sweeping the United States and ordered 3,000 Steiff bears.

Gross Motor:	Go on a Teddy Bear's Picnic. This can be to the local park or even just in the middle of your lounge. Teddy Bear walk - (our Get Ready For School clients will know how to walk like a Bear) around the park or have your child walk like a bear to the picnic. Teddy Bear Toss (a bit hard on old teddy!) but have your child first stand, then kneel, then sit as you toss Teddy back and forth to each other.
Fine Motor:	Teddy Bear Birth Certificate - fill your very own birth certificate for Teddy - just trace his foot and hand prints. Have your child cut out the Teddy Bear then color him/her in.
Visual Perception:	Teddy Bear Puzzle - print the puzzle out on heavier paper (120gsm+), have your child cut out the puzzle then put the pieces back together.
Language:	Get together a Teddy Bear's picnic. Talk about what you will take on the picnic, have your child help make the food and ask your child where they would like to go. Of course Teddy must go to - take their favourite Teddy/s with them.

Teddy Bear's Picnic

If you go down to the woods today,You're sure of a big surprise
If you go down to the woods today, You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was, Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.

Ev'ry Teddy Bear who's been good, Is sure of a treat today.
There's lots of marvellous things to eat, And wonderful games to play

Beneath the trees where nobody sees, They'll hide and seek as long as they please
'Cause that's the way the Teddy Bears have their picnic

If you go down to the woods today, You'd better not go alone
It's lovely down in the woods today, But safer to stay at home.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was, Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic

Picnic time for Teddy Bears, The little Teddy Bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares, And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about, They love to play and shout;
They never have any cares;
At six o'clock their Mummies and Daddies, Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little Teddy Bears.

Picnic time for Teddy Bears, The little Teddy Bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares, And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about, They love to play and shout;
They never have any cares;
At six o'clock their Mummies and Daddies, Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little Teddy Bears.

When using the Teddy Bear worksheets make sure your child uses the correct:

Pencil Grip
Scissor Control
Did he or she manage the Visual Perception task?

To learn how to teach these skills correctly, improve your child's abilities and help prepare your child for school use the Get Ready For School program.

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