3-D Paper Bear
Vocabulary: Symmetry and asymmetry
Materials: Glue, scissors, and pencil, markers, colored pencils or crayons can also be very useful
Directions:
- Read about Indigenous Peoples in the Americas bear mythology: http://www.native-languages.org/legends-bear.htm Bears are symbols of strength and wisdom to many Indigenous Peoples in the Americas and are often associated with healing and medicine.
- Trace bear template.
- Cut bear body.
- Create folded bear.
- This construction paper bear can become three-dimensional when the feet are bent and glued onto a separate piece of paper.
- Cave, mountain, trees, beehive, stream, blueberry patch or other components can be added to make a woodland scene.
- In addition, students can make their own animals using this folded paper method.
Or
- Read about bear mythology: http://www.native-languages.org/foxstory.htm
- Read about the mythology of stars: http://home.comcast.net/~lsmch/starmyths.htm
- Constellation project: Students can use white chalk on black paper to make Big Dipper and create their own origin story for a real or invented constellation.
Opportunity for Discussion and play:
- Why do you think people invented myths?
- What makes a good myth?
- Have students share their own myths, reading them aloud and having audience clap for each.
Animated children’s books for preschoolers:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Eric Carle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7j3huAApc
The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Birthday by Stan and Jan Berenstain