Our Get Blackpool Reading campaign, led in partnership with Blackpool Opportunity Area and Blackpool Council, has developed an indoor literacy-based activity in response to school closures and to support families while self-isolating.
The make-your-own Bear Hunt checklist is inspired by the popular picture book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, which celebrated 30 years in print last year.
Families are invited to download the fun and educational resource and complete the tasks, which imitate the family’s journey through the book to find the bear.
The final step asks children to take a photo impersonating a bear and send it to the Get Blackpool email address, getblackpoolreading@literacytrust.org.uk. Families will then receive a token to redeem a copy of the book and a DVD, supplied by Walker Books. These will be available from all eight libraries in Blackpool when they reopen.
There will also be a prize draw to select one lucky entrant, who will win a family ticket to Blackpool Zoo, redeemable until March 2021.
Laura Flinn, Get Blackpool Reading Campaign Manager, said:
“We understand that families are going through challenging times while they navigate teaching their children from home. Get Blackpool Reading is here to support parents and pupils with literacy development.
“I would encourage all Blackpool families to take part in the make-your-own Bear Hunt activity. Engaging your child in stories and asking them to follow simple instructions are great ways to improve your child’s literacy skills while having fun at home. What’s more, there are some great prizes to be won!”
Get Blackpool Reading’s Bear Hunt resource is just one way that we are responding to covid-19. Parents can also visit the newly-launched Get Blackpool Reading Facebook page or our Family Zone for a one-stop shop of tips and resources to support home-schooling.