Give each child with a sheet of white construction paper. Provide pieces of brown paper in various shades and different types. For example, use construction paper, tissue, brown bags and even paint chip cards. Cut the paper into small shapes. Have the child glue two paper eyes in black and a nose in pink near the top of the white paper. Let them glue the brown paper shapes randomly on the page. When dry, trace a bear shape on the page using a template. The kids can cut out the bear shape to show off their bear, which is full of creativity and shades of brown.
For younger kids who are learning that “B” is for bear, make this craft. Prepare a large block-style letter B cut from art paper and give one to each child. Use a bear hole puncher (found in most craft stores) and punch bears in different colors from construction paper. The children can glue these onto their letter B. As a variation, bear stickers can be used.
Make a batch of baker’s clay, one that can be baked in the oven or dries in the air. The children can cut their bear using a bear-shaped cookie cutter. Provide materials to decorate the bear, such as buttons, sequins, beads, pom-poms and rickrack. Invite the kids to decorate their bear with these craft materials. Bake or dry for a lasting craft.
Let the kids dramatize with their pretend teddy bear masks. Cut three circles from black construction paper for the eyes and nose. Glue these onto a paper plate. Punch a hole into each eye so the children can see through them. Add lines with a black marker for the mouth. Cut two rounded ears and glue these to the top of the plate. Let the kids color their mask with crayons. Punch holes on each side of the plate and attach lengths of yarn. Place the mask on the child’s face and tie the yarn to hold it in place.
Cut a large brown circle from construction paper and glue on two rounded ears. Paint on a coat of white school glue and shake coffee grounds over the bear’s face to give it texture. Facial features can be small pieces of construction paper, scraps of material or buttons that can be glued on.