Going on a Bear Hunt Retelling
To develop participation in repeated refrains, sound effects, and story comprehension through an interactive classic text.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Joins in with repeated refrains
- Anticipates story events
- Uses sound words expressively
- Retells story sections independently
Materials
- Copy of 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' by Michael Rosen
- Sensory props (long grass, water spray, mud tray)
- Open space for movement
Instructions
Read the story with enormous energy, using your whole body for the actions: 'Swishy swashy! Swishy swashy!' through the long grass. Children copy your movements.
Pause before repeated refrains for children to join in: 'We can't go over it, we can't go under it… oh no! We've got to go…' THROUGH IT!'
Set up sensory stations matching the story: 'Here's our long grass! Swish through it! Here's our mud! Squelch squelch! Here's our river! Splash splash!'
After several readings, let children 'read' it to you. They'll know the refrains by heart. Celebrate their memory and confidence.