Brown Bear, Brown Bear Storytelling Necklace
Updated: Feb 21, 2019
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" is one of those classic children's books that is perfect for very young readers. The repetition of the text allows little ones to "read" along with ease. The narrative seamlessly bounces along, while introducing animal names and color words to the reader.
With this storytelling necklace craft, readers can interact with the story on a whole new level - - by WEARING the story!
Let's break down this project step-by-step!
MATERIALS:
1 piece of drawing paper
Black pen
Colored pencils or crayons (to match the colors in the story)
Scissors
Yarn
Pasta (or beads if you prefer)
Optional: Hole puncher
Step 1: PREPARING YOUR PAPER
Start with a blank piece of paper. There are 9 animals in the story, so we'll want to make nine equal squares to ensure all of our animal drawings are about the same size.
Start by folding "hot dog style" to make three equal parts.
Then do the same fold, but "hamburger style" to make three equal parts.
For the next step, it may help to draw colored lines on the crease of the fold for guidance.
Next, carefully use scissors to cut out all nine squares. You'll take these one by one to draw the animals from the story.
Step 2: DRAWING & COLORING
With each of the paper squares, we'll draw the animals from "Brown Bear. Brown Bear, What Do You See?" in the order that they appear in the book. If drawing these animals is too difficult, scroll all the way down for a printable coloring page of the animals!
Some of my favorite art tools are:
Step 3: ASSEMBLE NECKLACE
With all the animals drawn and colored, it's time to assemble your storytelling necklace! Carefully cut out each animal, and arrange them in order.
Next, using a hole punch (or carefully with the tip of your scissors), create a hole in each animal, aiming for the middle of their body. We'll use this hole to string our necklace.
Cut a length of yarn to fit comfortably and loosely around your neck.
With the animals in the same order as the story, string them on the necklace one by one.
Alternate between animal and pasta, or bead. I like using pasta noodles because they're cheap, easy to find and use, and leave a good spacer between animal characters.
Finish off your necklace with a knot, and there you are! Finished!
Now, when you wear your necklace, you can retell the story by "reading" or singing by following the pattern:
" [color] [animal], [color] [animal], What do you see? I see a [color] [animal] looking at me!"
Language acquisition and early reading skills start with *listening* Whether that comes from listening to a teacher, a parent/guardian, or even videos online, early readers grow confident from listening and learning simple patterns in picture books. On my YouTube channel, Bri Reads, you can listen and/or read along with me. I also created an original tune inspired by "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" Join me and let's "Sing a Story" together!
Listening to a read aloud of the book and singing a catchy song will help empower little ones to retell the story independently. For an extra boost, and if you're looking for a crafty activity for your little ones, follow along this guide in creating a "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" storytelling necklace.
If your drawing the animals is too difficult for your little one, please use the printable here for coloring practice instead!
Happy creating!
XOXO,
Bri