Do you ever do a Bear theme in therapy? I recently added a Bear theme into my themed calendar, because bears are a perfect topic for transitioning from Winter to Spring! I compiled a list of my favorite Bear books for speech therapy below. Affiliate links are included, but you can find many of these as read-alouds on other websites.
In addition to promoting literacy, books are perfect for working on many other goals. I can target articulation, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, grammar, MLU, and every other student goal using just a single book!
The Best Bear Books for Speech Therapy
- ALL of the “Bear” Books by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman- I’m linking Bear Wants More here, but there’s an entire series of “Bear” books that include the same characters, beautiful rhyming text, and the best vocabulary words! I use this series year round in my therapy room, as there are books that fit every season! I love using a book series that continues with the same characters when teaching story grammar as well! You can find book companions for each of the Bear books individually or in a bundle HERE.
TIP:
2. Bears, by Deborah Hodge– This is a great nonfiction book with awesome vocabulary, but it is written well for children.
3. About a Bear, by Holly Surplice– Such an awesome book about all the different feelings a bear can feel!
4. The Very Brave Bear, by Nick Bland– The cutest rhyming book about a bear and a buffalo competing to see who is the most brave! My students love this hilarious book!
5. Thank You Bear, by Greg Foley -Such a sweet and simple story about different perspectives, and I just love this one so much!
6. Saving Yasha, by Lia Kvatum– This is a true story about an orphaned moon year, and it has the sweetest outcome!
7. Knut the Polar Bear, by Juliana, Isabella, and Craig Hatkoff– I love teaching my students about Knut each year, and I usually do so along with our Arctic Animal theme! It’s a true story as well, about an orphaned polar bear and his dedicated zoo handler, and it also brings awareness about animal conservation. You can find my book companion for it HERE.
8. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen– Such a cute story that makes it fun for littles to “act out.” Going on a Bear Hunt during speech? Yes, please!
9. Never Feed a Bear, by Make Believe Ideas – Such a fun and interactive book for preschool! You can find my companion for it HERE.
10. Don’t Wake the Bear, by Marjorie Murray – Can the animals snuggle up to the warm bear without waking him up, or will he wake up angry?
Do you use Bear Books for speech therapy? Which ones are your favorite? Let me know!!