Why Bear Exchange?
Why go to the bother of sending bears rather than create e-pals? I believe that the bear provides a stimulus and focus where the adventures of the bear provide an insight into our cultures and lives. Yes it would be easy to write about a topic like our school and then post this too an exchange school. This is a valuable lesson in itself with each child having a purpose to write, however, this purpose is extended through the eyes of the bear who becomes an important member of the class and gives children responsibility to communicate the 'bear's' adventure to their exchange school.
The other reason the bear works effectively is that it enables children to share experiences and pictures without worrying about personal identies being given as the bear becomes the focus rather than the child.
Thsi is now my sixth year participating in bear exchanges with children from 5 years through to 12 years old. When questioned whether children in the upper age bracket would be too old for a bear exchange I always ask the teacher to give it a try first, and believe me, they are plesantly surprised at the excitement the bears generates when it arrives in the classroom. It is difficult to say whether the teacher is more excited than the children.
These are my thoughts what are yours?
The other reason the bear works effectively is that it enables children to share experiences and pictures without worrying about personal identies being given as the bear becomes the focus rather than the child.
Thsi is now my sixth year participating in bear exchanges with children from 5 years through to 12 years old. When questioned whether children in the upper age bracket would be too old for a bear exchange I always ask the teacher to give it a try first, and believe me, they are plesantly surprised at the excitement the bears generates when it arrives in the classroom. It is difficult to say whether the teacher is more excited than the children.
These are my thoughts what are yours?
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© 2009 Created by Sharon Tonner on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
