Tapestry of Faith: Chalice Children: A Program about Our Unitarian Universalist Community for Preschoolers

Activity 4: Story

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Story book

Preparation for Activity

  • Choose a story from the following suggestions:
    • Patchwork Helps a Friend by Gail Greiner, illustrated by Jacqueline Schmidt, 2013. Patchwork, a colorfully quilted stuffed bear, sets forth on a quirky journey and enlists the help of his wildly eclectic bunch of buddies-including a great blue whale, a mama-loving llama, and a gracious narwhal-to help him repair his best pal, a raggedy bear named Fred.
    • Bear Hug by Kathleen and Michael Hague, 2013. A real bear hug is one that's straight from the heart. This charming picture book is a celebration of the love between children and their teddy bears.
    • Who Wants an Old Teddy Bear? by Ginnie Hoffman, 2003. Andy is hoping for a toy rocket ship for his birthday. When Grandma sends a teddy bear instead, he is unhappy and disappointed. But a nightmare adventure turns Andy and the teddy bear, Arthur, into fast friends.
    • Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman, 2009. Eager to play in the fall leaves, Bear heads out to find his friend, Mouse, but is startled by the clatter in a tree. Determined to find out who is making all the noise, Bear goes on a short journey, picking up all of his friends along the way. The source of the clatter is revealed to be a bashful owl, whom Bear declares is their new friend!
  • Review How to Read a Story Book, under Resources in the Introduction.

Description of Activity

Hold up the book and say, in these words or your own:

Here's how I am going to read the story. Does anyone need to move so they can see and hear?

This will help the children move if they need to and then get settled before the story is started, so they don't interrupt the reading. It also serves as a reminder that if they stand or sit right in front of the pages, no one else can see. Invite them to find a place to settle so that everyone can see. When all are ready, read the story.

When you finish reading, ask if anyone has thoughts about the story that they would like to share.

Including All Participants

Seat a child with hearing or sight difficulties near the reader.