In the book The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV, Mama Bear realizes her family has been spending way too much time watching television. Despite their protests, Mama pulls the plug and encourages the children to enjoy other activities in life. Check out these 3 activities below to help children explore this book further, and see if they don’t start to enjoy time away from the television a little more, too!
The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV Lesson Plan
I love being able to turn a book into a great lesson and mini-lesson for the kids. So here is out The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV Lesson Plan.
Activity One – DIY Before You Watch TV Chart
In the story The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV, Mama wants the cubs to enjoy other hands-on activities before they settle down in front of the television. This DIY Before You Watch TV Chart can help kids explore the world around them a bit more and track these activities BEFORE they settle down in front of the tube.
Supplies needed
Posterboard
Markers in assorted colors
Stickers
Envelope
Craft glue
Related: The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners Lesson Plan
Directions
Begin by writing the title of the chart on the top of the poster board. Use bright and colorful markers to make it fun!
Write each child’s name on the chart on the far left side running vertically.
Write different activities you wish for the child to try out before watching television near the top of the chart running horizontally.
Some of the activities can include hands-on tasks like Reading a Book, Eat a Healthy Snack, Make Your Bed, Give a Compliment, Enjoy 30 Minute of Outdoor Play, Chat with a Friend, or other activities you wish for them to try.
Place stickers in an envelope and glue the envelope to the chart.
Hang the chart in a conspicuous place. Before children turn on the t.v. for the day, they should complete the tasks and mark each one with a sticker.
Once each sticker is earned, the child can earn a designated amount of t.v. time in exchange!
Activity Two – Interview a Family Member Activity
One of the ways the cubs decided to enjoy life without television was to spend time talking to family. Teaching kids how to engage in quality conversation is important, and conducting an interview with a family member is a great way to encourage this conversation.
Here is how to interview a family member and really get your family talking!
Supplies needed
Notebook
Pen
Voice recorder (optional)
Digital camera (optional)
Directions
Have kids create a list of questions they wish to ask their family member. A list of 10-12 questions is ideal. Have them write their questions down so they can easily refer to them.
Take a notebook and pen (or you can use a voice recorder) to record your answers. Find a cozy place to conduct your interview.
Take your time conducting your interviews and recording your answers. This is the perfect opportunity for some quality conversation to take place.
Save your interview answers or recording to read and enjoy in the future! It will be perfect to enjoy when a power outage hits or you just want to reminisce and pass the time!
As you can see there are many ways to enjoy The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV further through these hands-on activities. Give them a try and see how much fun you can have!
Related: Berenstain Bears Go to The Doctor Unit Study
Activity Three – Go on a Nature Hunt and Gather
Mama Bear wants the cubs to enjoy nature around them and not just settle in front of the television day after day. Getting the cubs out to explore was a perfect idea, and one your child will enjoy as well. Here is how to conduct your own nature hunt and gather.
Supplies needed
Paper lunch sack
Magnifying glass
Shoebox or piece of cardboard
Marker
Directions
Head out into nature to start exploring. This can be a local park or even your own backyard.
Start collecting examples of nature around you. This can be bird feathers, stones, leaves, flowers, and any other bits of nature you may find.
Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Look for birds and other wildlife. Listen to bird calls. Watch for bugs and other critters to observe.
When you return home use your magnifying glass to examine the specimens closely. Talk about what you see.
Now lay all of the specimens out on a piece of cardboard or inside your shoebox.
Use the marker to identify the specimens directly on the cardboard.
Your collection can now be displayed for others to look at and enjoy!
What activities would you add to The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV Lesson Plan? Let us know in the comments below.
The ideas are wonderful and provide fun and exciting things for kids to do especially during this time.