National Recreation and Parks Month

To showcase and invite community participation in quality leisure activities for all segments of the population, National Recreation and Parks Month is celebrated from July 1 through July 31.
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009

Rosen, Michael.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt.
1989.
Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Guided Reading Level: I

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Brave bear hunters go through grass, a river, mud, and other obstacles before the inevitable encounter with the bear forces a headlong retreat.

I never knew this was title was a book... I always just associated We're Going on a Bear Hunt with the children's song and hand movement that I learned years ago... probably as a Daisy scout way back in kindergarten! I know for a fact that it's still a favorite among kids today (as a song, at least) as I've had the opportunity numerous times to share this with a wonderful group of kindergarteners.

The book is great for beginning readers because if they're familiar with the song, they'll become familiar with print - knowing the words ahead of time allows early readers to connect words and print! Definitely worth having on the shelves for early readers... and to share with your own little ones! A great activity for National Recreation and Parks Month - get out to the local park and have some fun with a story (or song) and movement!

Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:

• Going on a Bear Hunt Song/Hand Movements
• Going on a Bear Hunt Teacher Cyber Guide
• Make Your Own Bear Hunt Lapbook

Soman, David.
Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy.
2009.
Dial Books for Young Readers.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

At the playground, Lulu asks her friend Sam if he wants to play with her. Sam likes Diggers, while Lulu thinks Monkeys is the best game. Sam suggests playing under the castle, but Lulu knows that the top is the most fun. They just can't agree! And then Lulu asks, "Have you ever played Ladybug Girl?"

As Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Lulu and Sam save the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots, and have their very own parade on the bouncy dinosaurs. They figure out that when they work together, they can create fun games that they both like to play.

This book is great because it shows children how to work their imaginations! It's great for parents too, as it shows them ways to engage their children in imaginative play at the playground when they're becoming bored of the swings and slides! Definitely worth sharing - and it's just plain super cute!

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.