By Speech and Language Therapist, Charlotte Twelvetree
Book Details:
“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day. We’re not scared… UH OH …”
Anyone who has read this book will be singing this line in their head the same way that I did whilst writing it! In fact, this catchy, rhythmic, sing-song pattern is one of my favourite elements of this story and is what makes it so brilliant for helping develop language and communication in children.
I also love the variety of ways this book can be read and how it can be used in different environments.
It has an element of nostalgia for me on a personal level. As a child I can remember so clearly the excitement of going to the local library with my Mum to borrow this book. It was even better when they had the supersize version available!
Here are a few of my favourite ways to use this wonderful book:
Creating opportunities for communication:
The repetitive nature of this story can be used to create opportunities for children to communicate in any way possible. You can use pauses in repetitive phrases to allow your child to ‘fill the gap’.
Your child will then have the opportunity to complete the phrase. This can be done verbally, using vocalisations, communication boards, communication books, switches, a range of high-tech AAC, and signing.
It can also be used to request for continuation of the story because of the predictable adventure which is going to follow.
Sensory Stories:
Sensory stories can be used to bring life to books and immerse children in a story. Sensory stories are great for supporting children with sensory differences, learning disabilities, attention and language difficulties. Children can experience a wide range of textures, smells, lights, movements, tastes and sounds related to the story.
I regularly read this book outside where the children can see, smell, feel, and experience the grass, mud and water. Using our senses can be very beneficial in developing a child’s understanding of language. I also use a sensory bag to create the effect of the obstacles you come across in the story. For example; we will throw foam balls in the air, turn on fans, and feel ice cubes to create the experience of the snowstorm.
Language exposure:
“You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it!”
There are always lots of smiles and laughs when you get children to move. We love acting out this story as if we are trying to get through the different obstacles. Especially at the end when we tip-toe ‘through the cave’ trying not to wake the angry bear. It is a fun and engaging way to teach positional language and concepts such as ‘loud’ and ‘quiet’.
Joint Attention and Social Communication Development:
I have used different elements of this story during Attention Autism activities at all 4 stages. You can tell this story in such an entertaining way that you become the most exciting person in the room, encouraging joint attention skills. My personal favourite is getting children to take it in turns to make their way through the grass, mud, forest, snowstorm and the cave.
Narrative and Story-telling Skills:
There is a clear, repetitive, and well-illustrated sequence of events throughout this story. This creates a great opportunities for story-telling. Encourage your child to tell you what is happening. Think about ‘who?’, ‘what doing?’, ‘what?’, and ‘where?’
For example; “The girl is walking through the river”
This book gives endless opportunities for you to get creative!
For more information about Attention Autism, please click on the link
We’re going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
