We’re going on a bear hunt.
Happy 2026! This month’s theme is Bears and Hibernation, and our first unit of work is now live. The unit is suitable for children aged 3–8 years and includes Maths, English, Science, and the Specific Areas. We also have activities designed for our little ones aged 3 and under.
We loved learning about bears alongside this unit. From exploring their habitats to discovering their habits, we found fascinating facts — did you know pandas don’t hibernate? The unit of bears could be intertwined into almost every area of learning! From reading bear facts, following the next bear in the pattern, to discussions on global warming and hibernating bears, this theme really captured our attention for a while.
We thought this theme was particularly interesting because bears can be found all over the world, but only certain types of bears live in specific regions. Here are some fun bear facts we discovered:
Polar bears can swim for long distances in cold waters.
Brown bears can weigh up to 600kg!
Panda bears eat mostly bamboo but can eat small animals sometimes.
Sloth bears have a special groove in their mouth to suck up termites.
Bears use their sense of smell more than their eyesight to find food.
Learning Connections
The bear theme is perfect for linking into early years and primary learning:
Maths: counting bear figures, comparing sizes, creating patterns
Science: learning about habitats, diets, hibernation, and global warming effects
Literacy: reading bear facts, storytelling, or writing about bear adventures
Social-Emotional: exploring empathy and sharing through role-play with bear toys
Sensory Play & Activities for Little Ones
For our youngest learners, we set up fun sensory experiences that included:
Oat sensory trays for tactile exploration
Bear-themed affirmation cards to support social-emotional learning
Montessori 3-part cards for early vocabulary
Ice “bear” cubes in water trays for Arctic play
Bear paw prints in flour or sand play
Felt or toy bears incorporated into loose parts play
These hands-on activities allow children to explore, touch, and learn in a multi-sensory way. My own little one was especially engaged, and it was delightful to watch their curiosity and imagination flourish.
Crafts & Cooking
We tied the theme into our home life by making bear-themed cookies — a fun way to blend cooking with learning. You could also try:
DIY bear masks using paper plates and paints
Handprint bears with paint
Forest dioramas with toy bears
These activities encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and family engagement.
Play Mats & Forest Setups
Following our 2026 goals, I created a forest-themed play mat for my little one to use with his bear animals. This can be adapted in many ways:
Seasonal changes: snowy winter, autumn leaves, spring greenery
Different play scenarios: hunting for food, hibernating, climbing trees
Tips for keeping small figures organized and using velcro or trays to prevent slipping
Discussion Questions & Prompts
To encourage conversation and imaginative play, try asking:
“Where does your bear live?”
“What do bears eat in the winter?”
“How do you think a bear feels when it’s hibernating?”
“Can your bear find a new friend or a safe place to sleep?”
Prompts can be adjusted for different ages, from simple naming and matching for toddlers to storytelling and critical thinking for preschoolers.
Bringing It All Together
Exploring bears has been such a rich, multi-layered theme. It connects learning areas, supports sensory development, encourages creativity, and even ties into our family activities at home. Whether it’s a sensory tray, a baking session, or forest play mat adventures, bears offer endless opportunities for engagement and fun.
What could you create today to inspire your children and bring a theme to life in your home or classroom? Share your ideas in the comments — we’d love to see them!
With warmth,
Summer
Founder, Summers Sensory & Co
