I remember the first time I got a teddy bear for a gift. I was probably about five years old and I immediately fell in love. After that, it seemed like people gave me everything teddy bear and by the time I graduated high school I had more than 200 teddy bears. From stuffed animals to tea sets to posters; you name it, I had it.
Children seem to enjoy teddy bear’s for comfort, companionship, and even counting! They can even become a child’s best friend. Kids will enjoy using these teddy bear printables and resources to add to their lessons.
Where did the teddy bear come from?
President Theodore Roosevelt was commonly known as “Teddy,” though it was not his favorite nickname. During a hunting trip with the Mississippi Governor in November of 1902, President Roosevelt had not yet shot an animal while most of the other hunters had. Some of Roosevelt’s attendants tried to “help” by cornering, clubbing, and tying a black bear to a tree so the President could kill him. Roosevelt refused to shoot the animal in that manner because it was unsportsmanlike, but did request for his attendants to put him out of his misery.
This led to a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman in The Washington Post. And while his depiction included a larger bear, over time the bear became smaller and smaller until it was depicted as a young cub. Upon seeing the cartoons, a Russian-born businessman and inventor, Morris Michtom, created the first teddy bear in 1902 and put it in his shop window with a sign “Teddy’s bear”. This was only after he sent a bear and a note asking permission to use the President’s name. They were, of course, an overnight success which led Michtom to found the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co.
There is some discrepancy that a German man by the name of Richard Steiff created a bear around the same time and shipped them to America. However, there is no record of the shipment arriving, thus leading historians to believe they were lost at sea. Due to the lack of transatlantic communication in those days, it is extremely unlikely that neither Michtom nor Steiff knew of the others intentions.
Teddy Bear Holidays
Did you know there are several days throughout the year to celebrate teddy bears? On the 10th of July, you can celebrate summer by having a picnic with your teddy bear. Kids love to go on a picnic, so why not take along their favorite teddy bear too! In September (9th), gather all your teddy bears together for Teddy Bear Day. This is the perfect time to just sit back and enjoy them or cuddle up on your bed with all your favorites. And November 16th is the perfect time to celebrate for Party with Your Bear Day. Get some balloons, make some cupcakes, and have a party with all your bear buddies.
Whether your child needs a comfort stuffy, a companion, or they just enjoy teddy bear’s, they are a fun addition to any room. Use these Teddy Bear Printables & Resources to celebrate this iconic invention throughout the year.
Corduroy Math: Learning with Buttons from I Can Teach My Child
Letter T is for Teddy Bear coloring page from Super Coloring
Cute winter bear coloring page – free printable! from The Art Kit
T is for Teddy Bear Handwriting & Coloring Worksheet from The Twisty Noodle
Teddy Bear Hospital Printables from Fairy Poppins
CUTE Bear with Balloon – Happy Birthday Coloring Page from The Art Kit
Teddy Bear ABC Match & Trace from Totschooling
Free Teddy Bear Picnic Printables from East Coast Mommy
Shape Matching Activity | Bear Shape Sorting from Jennifer Heir at Early Learning Ideas (TpT)
Gummy Bear Math Printables from Pre Kinders
Free Teddy Bear Beginning Sounds Mats from No Stress Homeschooling
Teddy Puzzle from Scholastic
Free Teddy Bear Writing Prompts from Sight and Sound Reading
FREE My Itsy Bitsy Bear Book from KidZone
Happy Birthday Bear Coloring Page from Animal Jr.
Teddy Bear Matching Preschool Letter Cards from No Stress Homeschooling
Bear Cub + Mama Bear ABC Match Up Printable Pack from The Art Kit
Teddy Bear Activities Printable Packet from Mama’s Learning Corner
Teddy Bear Shapes Match (FREEBIE) from Teacher Mom Plus 3
Teddy Bear Color Sorting from Teach Beside Me
B is for Bear Handwriting Activity Pack from Only Passionate Curiosity
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear from Activity Village
Teddy Bear Coloring Pages from Sight and Sound Reading
Find even more Teddy Bear Themed Printables here!
Teddy Bear Crafts & Activities
Teddy Bear Paper Doll from Child Care Training (123 Play and Learn)
Bear Track Stamping from Mrs. Plemons’ Kindergarten
Winter Bear Art for Toddlers Using Bubble Wrap (Free Printable) from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Do You Want to Build a Teddy Bear? Activity from Sight and Sound Reading
Paddington Bear Craft from Child Care Training (123 Play and Learn)
Sense of Touch Textured Bear Craft for Kids from School Time Snippets
Free Teddy Bear Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time from Living Montessori Now
B is for Bear Letter Craft from Child Care Training (123 Play and Learn)
Teddy Bear Preschool Fine Motor Activities from No Stress Homeschooling
Play Dough Teddy Bear from Learning 4 Kids
Teddy Bear Plate Craft from Child Care Training (123 Play and Learn)
Teddy Bear Picnic Invitations from Sight and Sound Reading
If your kids love bears, then you’ll love these FREE Printables & Games that Use Counting Bears.
Find more homeschool resources on my Pinterest boards!
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Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.
