Throughout my childhood, my father and I traveled to the local library with a wagon. He insisted that I fill the wagon as high as we could with books. We went on hundreds of journeys with some of the most special characters in children’s literature.
The adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and friends in The Hundred Acre Wood was and continues to offer exciting adventures.
For my article this month, I share with you a variety of Winnie-the-Pooh activities and resources. Enjoy, friends.
Activity #1: Write a Story About Your Stuffed Animal
For this activity, your child(ren) will select one of their favorite stuffed animals. This is a great activity to discuss the different parts of a story. Let the imagination run free! The additional supplies you will need for this activity include:
- Multiple sheets of plain paper
- A writing utensil (crayons, markers, or pencils)
- Photos of Winnie-the-Pooh characters
- Photos of the stuffed animal(s).
Talk about the many adventures Pooh and his friends go on. Brainstorm ideas on adventures the stuffed animal will go on. Think about the following:
- Where does the story take place?
- What other friends could the stuffed animal meet?
- What adventure will they go on? (test)
- What other characters will they meet?
- How will the story end or will this story lead to a sequel?
Spend time drawing the story. You can also search and select photos about your story from a free picture stock website.
Activity #2: The Hundred Acre Wood Picnic
One of my fondest memories of the Winnie-the-Pooh story is the picnic Pooh and his friends have. For this activity, you will need to collect the following:
- A large blanket to sit on
- Plates, cups, and eating utensils
- A purchased copy or library copy of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
- Visit this blog for delicious Winnie-the-Pooh treats. Make sure you review the ingredients in case you or your child(ren) have food allergies
- Spend time reading through the book while eating delicious snacks.
- Visit this website for fun activities to include at your picnic.
Activity #3: Winnie-the-Pooh Balloon Science
A popular drawing of Winnie-the-Pooh is him flying away with a balloon. This activity adds a little science to the classic story of Pooh and his friends. You will need the following supplies for this activity:
- Small pop or water bottle
- Balloon
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Funnels
- Teaspoon
Follow these steps to complete this activity:
- Start off by asking at least two questions such as “is air the only way to blow up a balloon?” and “can you inflate a balloon with baking ingredients?”
- Use the funnel and pour 1⁄3 of the bottle with vinegar
- Insert a second funnel into the balloon and pour at least two teaspoons of baking soda inside the balloon. Think about what will happen to the balloon once you place it over the bottle.
- Hold the bottle and attach the neck of the balloon to the head of the bottle. Slowly pour the baking soda into the bottle and observe. It should inflate.
Articles about Winnie-the-Pooh and What the Stories Teach Us
“Important Lessons and Teachings from Winnie-the-Pooh,” Kristine Fuller, M.D., Psychology Today, 11 October 2018
“What Makes the Winnie-the-Pooh Books So Popular?” Jessica Salter, The Telegraph, 18 September 2018
“How Winnie-the-Pooh Became a Household Name,” Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 November 2017
“How Winnie-the-Pooh Teaches Us the Importance of Play,” Martina La Monica, The Conversation, 19 September 2017
“The Moral Clarity of ‘Christopher Robin’,” Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 23 August 2018