One way to introduce preschool age children to different cultures is by using something familiar, like a cutout teddy bear, dressed in the tradition garments of cultures different from their own. Create black and white images that children can color along with paper doll-type clothing and accessories that children can cut out and place on their teddy bear cutouts.
Since teacher or parent alike know that preschool age children are quiet fond of teddy bears, consider putting on a puppet show with teddy bear puppets. Use paper bags or socks as the basis of your teddy bear puppets. Have children glue on paper or fabric ears that have been cut out as well.
From a teddy bear face mask to a teddy bear-themed counter, there are several ways that you can incorporate teddy bears in to your preschool classroom activities. For instance, you can use paper plates to create a teddy bear mask. Cut out paper ears to add to your plate then cut out holes for the child's mouth, nose and eyes. Allow children to color and decorate their masks. Another idea is to create teddy bear games using teddy bear-shaped paper plates available in many stores. With this activity, punch out a hole in the center of the plate and attach an arrow with a brad that children can move to a letter or number drawn on the edge of the plate. The same symbols can be placed on a separate sheet in a circle format. The teacher holds up the sheet and asks a question, such as "What does an A look like?" The children then turn the arrow on their plate to the answer.
An excellent way to teach preschoolers about the seasons or in preparation for a holiday like Christmas is to have children work on a seasonal or holiday teddy bear craft project. Create printable teddy bear images that can be cut out and glued onto a Christmas card for a loved one or onto a larger sheet of paper depicting a seasonal or holiday scene. Children can paint or color their teddy bears which can then be glued to a drawing or card. Offer children additional cutouts and stickers of, for example, a Santa Claus hat, candy cane and other items that complement the theme.