Monday, February 23, 2009

Blue Monday ~ Mr. Bear

Sally at Smiling Sally hosts a Blue Monday event. I'm feeling a bit BLUE today since my vacation week is over and I am heading back to school.

Speaking of school, my blue today is Mr. Bear. I have been sharing Mr. Bear with my kindergarten classes for about 18 years now. Every year I buy a new bear and in the last several years I have also bought Mr. Spare Bear. Without fail someone forgets to bring him back to school, so we now have a spare!


Mr. Bear is a very special member of our class! Every night Mr. Bear goes home with a different child. During our morning meeting we have a chance to read Mr. Bear's journal. We learn a lot about each child and his/her family from reading the journal. Mr. Bear is always on an adventure. He travels all around the Cape, goes to many after school activities and meets lots of other stuffed animals at the homes he visits. Mr. Bear also has many opportunities to come home with me for a bath!!!

take care,
Dawn

24 comments:

Debi said...

Both my boys' kindergarten teachers did that, too. We always had so much fun with it! Did you make Mr. Bear's adorable little sweater?

Lorrie said...

I love this Dawn--Mr. Bear is the Stella of the kindergarten class--traveling around and getting into adventures and misadventures too I bet. I bet Mr. Spare Bear comes in handy fairly often!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Dawn, I love Mr. Bear and what he stands for. What a great idea Dawn. Who doesn't love a cuddly bear with the cutest blue sweater. I am sure your class loves him too.

Sorry your vacation is over but I bet your class will be very happy. Have a happy day.

Hugs...Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Did you knit Mr. Bear's sweater? He is a sweetie.

I hope your day is a breeze.

bj said...

Such a great idea! Bet you made his little sweater!?
Happy day, bj

Nola said...

What a great idea! I'll bet Mr Bear has some fantastic stories. Hope you enjoyed your break, guess the next break will be Easter, huh?

Anonymous said...

Morning, Dawn. Oh, how sweet! That's a fantastic idea about Mr. Bear going home with a child. Oh, I wish I had had a teacher like you! You're marvelous!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

SmilingSally said...

I'm sorry that you're BLUE, but it's certainly for a worthy cause! You must be the Best teacher. I love the idea of Mr. Bear; it sounds like Stella, doesn't it? Since you buy a new one each year, what happens to the "old" one? Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a clever idea, Dawn! I love Mr. Bear. Can he come visit Annie? LOL! That has got to be special for each child. :-)

Happy Blue Monday!

XO,

Sheila

Darlene said...

That is always so much fun. Lexi's class did that (someone took him each weekend) and we each made a scrapbook page of the things he did. It was too cute!

Sherri said...

That is so neat! My daughter had something like that when she was in Elem. School. They brought him home on the weekends. Cute bear and sweater!

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Happy blue Monday Dawn! I love all the cute little creative things you do with your class. I love that Mr. Bear makes little trips and has adventures...too cute!
I hope your day is great !

Knitty said...

I love your post and a few earlier ones that I've read. I've bookmarked your blog and will return to read more. :)

I have made the sweater Mr Bear us wearing a number of times. He certainly looks handsome in it.

Anonymous said...

Good morning Dawn. Mr. Bear makes me smile! Happy Blue Monday to you...

Anonymous said...

Good afternoon Dawn,
I have heard of doing something like this before. It's a wonderful idea. Children can learn a lot from other children's experiences. You sound like such a marvelous teacher. Happy Blue Monday!

Unknown said...

Hi Dawn,
Mr. Bear looks delightful! I can imagine the excitement generated when these kids bring home the bear!

Hope u have a great day!

Diane

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Dawn, What a wonderful idea! My kids would have loved this! I bet your students love you to death! :)

Oh, and it looks like someone is getting a dog! LOL! How could you turn down that precious child that wrote that sweet letter below?!? LOL! ~hugs, Rhonda

Neabear said...

This is a great idea!! So cute. I have the same questions as others. Did you make the sweater? And what happens with the old one everytime you get a new one? Your students must love you.

Judi said...

Hi Dawn
Happy Blue Monday
I can imagine you were a bit blue having to back to work today...lucky you for having a week off though!

I love that idea of sharing the bear and learning more about the children. They must feel very special taking him home.
Did you knit the sweather? Probably you did!.

Thank you for sharing
have a lovely evening
Judi

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Happy Blue Monday Dawn!

Susan

Anonymous said...

Spare bear is such a great idea. In my school we had a similar bear who went on visits and travels. I remember he sent post cards to the school from one trip. I imagine your students can hardly wait for their turn.


Kathy b

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Dawn; I love Mr. Bear he is very handsome. what a wonderful idea of yours to share the bear, if I were five I would love to have you as my teacher.. lol Have a great week.

Hugs
Alaura

Elaine said...

I enjoyed seeing Mr. Bear in his blue sweater today. What a wonderful idea...I'm sure he's someone none of your students wlll ever forget. And I'm sure they won't forget you either!
Elaine :)

Envoy-ette said...

My son brought home a racoon once. Rascal! He went to a basketball game, a soccer game, a Mexican restaurant, apparently didn't like the second cookie because son ate both of them telling me: "He's allergic to chocolate"! Rascal was also blamed for a few farts. We had fun with that racoon and it's the best memory from 1st grade.