Three Bears Language Game

Teacher and toddler playing with a variety of sock puppet animals

Materials Needed:

  • Stuffed animals or puppets

Participants: This activity is intended for independent play and adult/child interaction.

Directions:

  1. Tell your child the folk story, “The Three Bears.”
  2. Use stuffed animals to retell it; letting your child hold the animals and act out the story. Older toddlers will enjoy saying some of the words with you. Infants and younger toddlers may be able to mimic some of your words.
  3. Retell the story with the stuffed animals over several days if your child is interested. Stop occasionally and say, “What’s next?” Encourage your child to begin to recall the sequence.

Extensions: Bring the story into other parts of your day. For example, at mealtimes, ask, “Is your food too hot, too cold, or just right?” Set up some bowls or chairs and let your child act out the story. Find other objects around the house that are soft, hard, and just right, or small, medium, and large.

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Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
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Teacher and toddler playing with a variety of sock puppet animals