Concentration
Toddlers watch a teddy bear do movements suggested in a song.
Teddy bear
Be Prepared: Become familiar with the words and actions of the song “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around.” The books suggested in Optional Reading are one source. It is recommended you not use a video or CD for the activity because toddlers want to observe and interact with you!
[Invite several toddlers to join you for a song about a teddy bear. Display the teddy bear.]
We are going to hear a song about a teddy bear. The song tells the teddy bear how to move its body.
The teddy bear is going to turn around.
[Demonstrate turning around with the teddy bear.]
The teddy bear is going to reach up high.
[Demonstrate reaching high with the teddy bear.]
The teddy bear is going to bend down low.
[Demonstrate bending down with the teddy bear.]
I am going to sing the song about the teddy bear.
Do you think the teddy bear will be able to do all of these movements with its body?
Please use your eyes to watch.
[Point to your eyes.]
Please use your ears to listen to the song.
[Point to your ears.
Sing the words of the song as you demonstrate the corresponding actions with the teddy bear. Sing words clearly and at a pace that allows children to hear each word. Emphasize with your words and actions the movements of the teddy bear, including “turn around,” “high,” and “low.” Smile and look at each toddler as you sing.]
[Repeat the song with the teddy bear if two or more toddlers respond positively.]
Today we listened to a song about a teddy bear. The teddy bear moved the way the song said to move. The song said to turn around and the teddy bear turned around. Let’s all turn around. The teddy bear can be our leader!
[Use the teddy bear to lead toddlers in turning around.]
Concentration
Toddlers engage in movements suggested in a song and demonstrated by a teddy bear.
Teddy bear
Be Prepared: Become familiar with the words and actions of the song “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around.” The books suggested in Optional Reading are one source.
Invite several toddlers to join you in learning a song about a teddy bear. Introduce or review the song and teddy bear movements with the approach suggested in Option 1. Remember to sing the song slowly and clearly while demonstrating the movements with the teddy bear. Encourage toddlers to pay attention by watching with their eyes and listening with their ears.
After singing the song and demonstrating the movements, invite toddlers to move their bodies in the ways suggested in the song: turn around, reach high, bend low.
Encourage toddlers to participate in the movements one more time as you sing. This time, invite toddlers to sing the song with you.
Conclude the session by commenting on how toddlers paid attention to the song and teddy bear movements by watching with their eyes and listening with their ears.
This simple set of activities supports the development of several related skills: paying attention to movements suggested in a song, concepts (high, low, turn around), and motor skills involved in the suggested movements, spatial skills for turning around, and singing a song. The concentration skills are a primary focus of the activity and useful for toddlers to practice. Pay close attention to toddlers’ actions in Option 2 and offer to repeat aspects that seem particularly challenging. Some toddlers are unlikely to sing at the same time as they move their bodies in Option 2. Some toddlers may prefer to watch their peers participate in Option 2. Positively acknowledge all forms of appropriate participation.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: several teddy bears or other stuffed animals; items for putting a teddy bear to bed, such as pajamas, bottle or dishes/spoon for porridge, blanket, pillow, bed
Introduce toddlers to the popular version of the “Teddy Bear” song that includes the teddy bear going to bed. Invite toddlers to play with teddy bears in the dramatic play area. Toddlers may choose to act out some of the movements in the song. Encourage toddlers to pretend to put their bears to bed.
Materials Needed: stuffed animals
Participating in song and movement activities is enjoyable for children of all ages. Infants will enjoy watching and being part of Option 1 or 2. You may wish to provide stuffed animals for each child and baby to hold during the song. Invite older children to think of new movements for the teddy bear. Some children may also enjoy singing the song with a new character, such as a dinosaur or another favorite animal. A dinosaur, for example, may do some of the teddy bear movements or try new movements, such stomping feet and chomping teeth.
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