The Traveling Teddy Bear
This is great activity for traveling grandparents to interact with grandchildren! Purchase a teddy bear to take along to your grandchildren’s home next time you visit. Allow the kids to play with the teddy bear. Have the children choose a name for the new “friend”. Tell your grandchildren the teddy bear is a traveling bear and is going to accompany you on your next trip. Pack the bear in your carry-on, documenting the trains, planes and automobiles as well as each place you visit. Keep in mind the key is to record the trip with pictures and send them by mail (postmarked) or via email or text to your grandkids. When you arrive home, share the travel stories and adventures with the grandkids.
This idea originated with my wife, Diane who was a second grade teacher at the time. She used a teddy bear mascot nicknamed TEB to demonstrate the “World In Which We Live” to her students. She purchased a cuddly teddy bear and introduced it to her class. She allowed the kids to play with it and even take TEB home for a night to share the bear with their families. The kids grew to love this adorable little bear.
One day, she gave TEB to her Uncle Warren. He had agreed to take TEB on his upcoming trip to London. He was to take pictures of himself and TEB, then send the photos to Diane’s classroom so she could show the kids TEB on a trip, having a good time in London. Uncle Warren sent a picture of himself and TEB at Buckingham Palace.
The next TEB trip was with me. As I traveled to China, Hong Kong, and Japan, I sent back three pictures. The first was of the two of us walking on the Great Wall of China. The second photo was of TEB and me riding on the fast train (traveling over 100 mph) in Japan. The third photo was of TEB and me shopping in the streets of Hong Kong.
Diane could not believe how excited these second graders became when these pictures arrived. They were certainly excited to see the picture of TEB, but this was also a great learning activity. Diane would pull out the World Map and place a pin on the TEB’s last location. It also opened the door for Diane to provide instructional information about the cities and countries where TEB had visited.
Grandparents, we have a terrific opportunity to connect with our grandkids of all ages when we travel and share our experiences. The teddy bear idea is just one way to make the lessons interesting. Taking kids along is a tremendous gift too. The teddy bear can join in the fun with everyone. Travels can be to the local zoo or an international trip. Connecting, learning, sharing, and loving are the goals.
The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8 NLT
A special thank you to guest bloggers Diane and David Appelhof for sharing their thoughts and experiences to encourage and inspire grandparents to connect with their grandchildren.
Looking for other ideas to build a lasting relationship with your grandchildren? Click this link, Grandparenting. Browse through the tried and tested ideas from other grandparents.
Get a copy of Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations HERE!
© 2022 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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