I recently purchased my kids some of those "create your own bear" kits.
I didn't do the mall thing because personally I hate taking the kids to the mall because it's worse than taking them to the grocery store! So I found this cuddly kit online at bearyfunparty and thought it would be something nice for them to do at home in a more relaxed environment.
On Saturday afternoon they all got together and started to create their bears.
They were all excited and happy except for my son who remarked, "if I wanted to make my own toys I would have been an elf.
" Well as a mom I was definitely disappointed.
Just then he picked up the little passport that came with his Siberian Husky and he became excited.
He began asking me questions like "do you know where Siberia is", "did you know that the Husky was used in Alaska to deliver medicine when no one else could?" I was happy and amazed he was actually interested in learning.
He then wanted to read the other children's passports and they all switched and learned about each others animals.
Now my son is so proud of his Husky he displays it on his desk and loves to have someone ask him about it so he can show off his knowledge.
Of course he wants all the other animals now so he can learn about where they come from as well.
I don't mind the purchase at all especially since I know they are not just playing...
they are learning.
So I guess a bear can teach geography.
Hats off to whoever thought of such a fun way for kids to learn!