Some very creative teachers have used stuffed animals, such as teddy bears, as a way to interest children in learning about different parts of the world.

The class sends their plush friend on a trip to another school in a different part of the world, or they get parents to take them on business trips, vacations, etc. The idea is to take pictures of teddy in this new place, collect souvenirs, and write back and forth with people from the visit. It’s a great way to improve reading, language arts, and geography skills.

In looking for examples of such stuffed animals, and their trips, I was disappointed to see that the links I found were not for recent projects. Has this educational activity stopped being used so much, or did I just not find the current ones? I sure hope it’s not been abandoned, as I think it is a wonderfully creative and effective teaching technique.

Benni the Bear Around the World
Moose on the Loose
Homer the Bear
Geo Bears
California Trail Bear Journals

Have YOU ever participated in one of these imaginative activities? Would you like to do one, yourself, with your own children? Maybe these links will give you some ideas.