Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?



Last updated Monday, June 27, 2022

Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0805090665
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2022

Synopsis: What will you hear when you read this book to a child? Lots of noise!

Children will chant the rhythmic words. They'll make the sounds the animals make. And they'll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book - look at the last page!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think polar bears hear?
•  What sounds do polar bears make?

Vocabulary:

•  Braying - Any loud, harsh sound
•  Snarl - To growl or show teeth in a threatening way
•  Yelp - To cry out or bark
•  Bellow - To make a deep, loud cry

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What are some other sounds (besides animals) that you think polar bears hear?
•  What are some other animals that we might hear in different environments such as in the woods or underwater?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a polar bear.
•  Make a mask of one of the animals in the book.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2022-amazing-animals/

Special activities:
•  Have the children make the sounds that each animal makes.
•  See if the children can remember the order of the animals in the book.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!