![A group of kids sit outside on a picnic blanket]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726841563/usmk12org/undpyvidc8bgzhjvow7r/2024-09-13MH-TeddyBearPicnic-4353.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726841563/usmk12org/undpyvidc8bgzhjvow7r/2024-09-13MH-TeddyBearPicnic-4353.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726841563/usmk12org/undpyvidc8bgzhjvow7r/2024-09-13MH-TeddyBearPicnic-4353.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726841563/usmk12org/undpyvidc8bgzhjvow7r/2024-09-13MH-TeddyBearPicnic-4353.jpg","width":1000}])
The teddy bear party, an annual event in 1st grade, is a much-loved tradition and the culmination of a two-week unit about bears. The unit serves as a vehicle to learn about friendship and kindness and begins with students choosing their own teddy bear as a special gift from their teachers. “We use the bears to help us learn expectations for the school year, respect, and how to talk about friends,” said Erica Melick, 1st grade teacher.
Students also read many books about bears, practiced bear math problems, and wrote about their bears as part of the unit.
They celebrated the end of their study of bears with an outdoor party on the lawn outside the Tower Center, alongside their furry friends and bear-themed snacks. While they enjoyed their party, they were interviewed by Upper School students enrolled in the division’s Digital Journalism class, who were learning how to conduct interviews and find story ideas. They were also treated to a special bear-themed sing-a-long with Head of School Steven Hancock, who played his ukulele.
Many thanks to the 1st grade team for organizing and coordinating the party and curricular components: Erica Melick, Jessica Roberts ’06, Lauri Sies, and Kelly Strains.
