Bill Martin Jr.’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? is a classic picture book that has remained a relevant favorite among preschoolers over time. It was an essential text in my childhood library, classroom, and now in my own children’s library at home. Picture books with predictable text such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear are excellent ways to introduce young children to reading. It is also one of my favorite books to engage young readers in choral reading. This approach to reading is an effective way to increase fluency while also building confidence.
The rhythmically repetitious text and bold illustrations captivate even the youngest readers. Yet, its simplicity allows for so many ways to introduce early math and literacy skills such as color identification, sorting, color words, sequencing and oral retell just to name a few.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear Activities
If you’re not familiar with the book, you can get a glimpse inside here (affiliate link). We’ve compiled some fun cross-curricular activities to engage your little ones in this timeless classic. Take a look!
Literacy
This cross-curricular Brown Bear Learning Packet from 1+1+1=1 will give you and your little ones lots of engaging literacy and math activities to have fun with.
Growing Book by Book has a fantastic Brown Bear, Brown Bear Printable Language Activity that will get your preschoolers talking and using a lot of vocabulary.
Reinforce colors and practice sequencing with this hands-on Brown Bear, Brown Bear Color Learning Chain from Bright Green Door.
Practice retelling the story with some hand made story stones like these Brown Bear, Brown Bear Toddler Story Stones from Montessori Beginnings (not pictured).
Math
Mom Inspired Life has a hands-on way to practice number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and colors with their Counting Bear Number Strips and Color Matching Activity with free printables.
Sorting and graphing has never been so fun with Making Learning Fun’s Brown Bear M&M Sorting math activity. Check out their free printables!
Extend color recognition learning with this fun Color Scavenger Hunt from Crayon Freckles.
Sensory/Fine Motor
This Brown Bear Button Snake Retelling activity by I Can Teach My Child promotes fine motor skills, comprehension, and language development. A free printable and instructions are included!
Check out this colorful and interactive Brown Bear, Brown Bear Book Themed Sensory Tub from Childhood 101.
Involve the senses with this Preschool Science Brown Bear Slime recipe from Preschool Powol Packets.
Snacks and Treats
Learning colors has never been so tasty with this Brown Bear Brown Bear Color Game for Preschoolers from Toddler Approved! Your preschooler will thank you for letting them snack while they learn.
Explore all of the colors in the book with Power Your Lunch Box’s Brown Bear Bento Box. Children will enjoy getting to eat each colorful snack as they read through the book!
Make this brown bear graham cracker Fun Snack/Treat for Kids from Ink Blots & Polka Dots.
Get baking with your little ones with these cute Oatmeal Bear Cookies from Rada Cutlery.
Practice colors and sequencing with these deliciously healthy Brown Bear What Do You See Kebabs from Little Bright Sparks (not pictured).
Kids love peanut butter sandwiches, but if you want something they’ll really love, make this adorable Brown Bear Sandwich!
Art
Make this Brown Bear Hand Print Book from Terrific 2’s as a special keepsake.
This Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See Art Project from Deep Space Sparkle will get your little one’s creativity flowing.
Practice some interactive story retelling or I Spy with this Brown Bear, Brown Bear Paper Plate Mask by JDaniel4’s Mom.
Flex those little fingers with this super fun and Simple Origami Bear from School Mum.
More Brown Bear, Brown Bear Games and Resources
(affiliate links)
Cheryl Ritani
Thank you so much for sending this fabulous resource.
I work with ESOL and Children with High and complex learning needs .
This will keep them engaged and learning in a fun and meaningful way
Shaunna
That’s fantastic to hear, Cheryl! I appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.