Hannah Russell

Purple Class
My multigenre topic covering bears is important to early childhood through sixth grade
students because animals is a topic that is gone over throughout each school year, no matter what
grade. There are many different types of bears and it is important for students to know the
similarities as well as the differences among these bears. Students can learn multiple things when
learning about bears such as seasons, animal science, geography, hibernation, and global
warming. Students can see how each of these things they are learning about bears and through
the subject of bears can relate to them and their lives.
Books about bears cover a multitude of concepts that are not all non-fiction. There are
many stories that are covered in this text set that are fictional. Using fictional fantasy books
about bears allows for children to create an understanding with the characters in the story. When
reading nonfiction books about bears this allows for students to understand more about the world
in which we live in. Nonfiction bear books get students to think in realistic ways on how our
lives are connected with animals lives.
Overall, being able to study bears, all the different kinds, fiction and nonfiction allows for
children to develop a deeper understanding of the animal and make connections and conclusions
based on what they are reading. Learning about animals is something that is taught over a long
course of time that begins as early as pre-kindergarten and goes all through high school and even
some in college. Being able to have knowledge of the creatures and animals around us is an
important aspect that should be added to ones schema at an early age and continually grows
throughout the years.

Where Do Bears Sleep? Written by: Barbara Shook Hazen

This is a story that tells where different animals live. The book
compares and describes where the different animals live in the
wild. This teaches children about animal homes and habitats.
Reading Level: 1.1
Genre: Nonfiction
This book relates to the topic of Bears because it discusses where bears live as well as where
other animals live. The book also touches on hibernation which is a key concept when discussing
bears.

Panda Cake Written by: Rosalie Seider

Panda Cake is a story of two panda cub brothers who are supposed to help their mother with
making a panda cake. The two cubs go out and gather all of the ingredients from other animals.
Yet, instead of helping mother, Willy decides to go to the fair and play while his younger brother
helps mother make the cake. What will the outcome be?
Reading Level: 2.3
Genre: Fiction: Animal Fantasy
Panda Cake relates to the text set subject because it talks about panda bears, which are a type of
bear. This is a fantasy story, but all of the ingredients that the cubs collect to put into the cake are
foods that panda bears eat. This book provides information about panda bears as well as a fun
story.

Little Tricker the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear Written by: Ken Kesey
Tricker the squirrel watches Big Double the bear terrorize the forest animals and take over the
forest, eating anything in his pathway. Tricker seeks to show the bear a lesson which will trick
the bear out of the forest and save the forest animals.
Reading Level: 4.9
Genre: Fiction: Animal Fantasy
This book relates to the subject because it briefly touches on hibernation and why the bear is so
grumpy, angry and hungry. Although it is animal fantasy it touches on how the other forest
animals who are being terrorized by the bear are not hibernating while the bear just got out of
hibernation and seeks all the food he can find.

Where Do Polar Bears Live? Written by: Sarah L. Thomson

Where Do Polar Bears Live? tells information and facts about polar bears. Through cartoon
pictures and descriptive texts it shows how polar bears survive and the challenges they face. It
also touches on how readers can lend a helping hand and make a difference for the polar bears.
Reading Level: 4.0
Genre: Nonfiction
This book relates to the subject of bears because it discusses the polar bear. The book talks about
where polar bears live, how they survive and the different characteristics they possess that help
them survive.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Written by: Bill Martin Jr.
This is a story of guess who/what is on the next page. It is an engaging book that discusses
different animals and colors. This book engages students through repetitive phrases comparing
animals and colors.
Reading Level: 1.5
Genre: Fiction
I included this book in the text set because it introduces animals and colors, allowing for students
to compare and contrast on a simplified level. This is a great book for young readers who are
getting familiarized with animals and colors.

Panda Math Written by: Ann Whitehead Nagda

Panda Math tells the story of a giant panda family from the San Diego Zoo. The story
specifically focuses on two cubs. The book tracks the two cubs growth through descriptive texts
and math problems.
Reading Level: 5.3
Genre: Nonfiction
My justification for including this book in the text set is that it engages students in both reading
and math. The book tells a story while also providing information and facts about the giant panda
bears.

The Biggest Bear Written by: Lynd Ward

A boy named Johnny lives in a community where everyone around him hunts bears and proudly
hangs the bear skins upon their houses. Johnny is ashamed that he does not have his own bear
skin and is determined to find the biggest bear in all the land. Johnny finds a cub and raises him
to be the largest bear. As the bear grows, so does Johnny and the bears relationship. Johnny no
longer wants to skin the bear and decides to let him be in the local zoo.
Reading Level: 3.9
Genre: Fiction: Realistic
The Biggest Bear relates to this text set by discussing the safety of grizzly bears and the hunting
that bears face. This book also touches on friendships between animals and humans.

Peef the Christmas Bear Written by: Tom Hegg

A special bear made by Santa Claus seeks to find his purpose outside of the North Pole. Peef, the
special bear and Santas assistant, wants to be a Christmas present and belong to a child. Peef
longs to belong like other teddy bears.
Reading Level: 4.5
Genre: Fiction: fantasy
I added this book into the text set because although Peef is not a real bear, he is a teddy bear
which is a different type of bear. The book also hits on some key points such as purpose and
magic that children can relate and engage with.

Waiting for Ice Written by: Sandra Markle

Waiting for Ice is a true story based on a polar bear cub that becomes an orphan after being
mysteriously separated from her mother. The story documents how the cub survives on her own
through the weather, hunting, and lack of a mother.
Reading Level: 4.4
Genre: Nonfiction: animal biography
This book is included because it discusses the harsh truths of how polar bears survive in the
worst condition, as a young cub without her mother. This discusses the challenges that polar
bears face, including weather, hunting, and fighting.

Ice Bears Written by: Brenda Z. Guiberson

A mother polar bear teaches her two cubs how to survive in the wild. The mother shows the cubs
how to hunt for food, swim, and survive through the weather conditions. The story covers the
mother and the cubs through the time the cubs were born up until they leave the mother to be on
their own.
Reading Level: 4.1
Genre: Fiction: Realistic
I included Ice Bears into the text set because it is an informative book that tells a story about a
polar bear family. The book gives information on polar bears and their characteristics.

Over and Under the Snow Written by: Kate Messner

A young girl who finds out about hibernating animals while on a ski trip with her father. Her
father discusses what animals are hiding beneath the snow as they ski over them. The young girl
compares the animals who hibernate.
Reading Level: 3.2
Genre: Fiction
Over and Under relates to the text set because it talks about animals that go through hibernation
in the winter season. One of the animals that is discussed is the black bear.

Moon Bear Written by: Brenda Z. Guiberson

A female moon bear, or Asiatic bear goes through a year in her life. The moon bear goes through
each season. In each season the moon bear displays different characteristics about herself such as
what she eats. At the end of the book the moon bear has cubs and ends the story in that way.
Reading Level: 3.1
Genre: Fiction
The justification behind Moon Bear is that it discusses the life of an Asiatic bear and the
characteristics that a moon bear has.

Global Warming Written by: Seymour Simon

This is a slight overview of global warming. The overview discusses the effects that global
warming has on animals and humans. This book is shown through pictures and descriptive texts.
Reading Level: 5.9
Genre: Nonfiction
I chose to add this book to my text set because it discusses the science of global warming and
how it relates to animals as well as humans. This is a great book for students to see the reality of
science and relation to the world.

Panda Kindergarten Written by: Joanne Ryder

Sixteen panda bear cubs live at the Wolong Nature Preserve in China. The cubs learn survival
skills and build relationships with the other panda cubs. Some of the pandas are sent off into the
wild while others stay and live the rest of their lives out at the Wolong Nature Preserve.
Reading Level: 4.7
Genre: Nonfiction
This book is important to the text set because it provides knowledge about panda bears. It shows
how panda bears live in different habitats other than the wild and how they live amongst a large
group of pandas.

Do Your ABCs Little Brown Bear Written by: Jonathan London

This is a story between a father and son bear. The father and son bear discuss the alphabet
through realistic objects. All of the ABCs relate and flow with the story going on.
Reading Level: 2.2
Genre: Fiction: Animal Fantasy
This book is important to the text set because it has bears, a father and a son, who go through the
alphabet as they go through their day, pointing out things in their life that relate to the alphabet.

Grizzly Bears Written by: Gail Gibbons

This book is an informative introduction to grizzly bears. It discusses the physical characteristics
of the grizzly bear and how those features help the bear in surviving. It also discusses the life
cycle and the endangerment of the grizzly bears.
Reading Level: 4.5
Genre: Nonfiction
Grizzly bears are an important type of bear and therefore important to the subject of bears.
Learning about the characteristics and how they survive and being able to decipher between and
compare the different types of bears based on the knowledge gained from this book adds to the
schema.

Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians Written by: Jackie Mims Hopkins
Goldie Socks is a curious young girl who loves books. One day on the backway to school Goldie
Socks stumbles upon a house made of books. Goldie does not know that the house belongs to the
three libearians. The three libearians come back to the house and notice that someone has been
there and stumble upon Goldie Socks reading books and the bears join her.
Reading Level: 4.0
Genre: Fiction: Fantasy/Folktale
This is a great twist on the original folktale of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. It shows a
young girl, as well as a family of bears who love reading. Goldie Socks displays to students how
to find the book that is perfect for each student.

Were Going on a Bear Hunt Written by: Michael Rosen

A family decides one day that they will embark on a bear hunt. They travel through many
different obstacles and areas until they reach the cave of the bear. Once they reach the cave of the
bear they go back through all of the obstacles and end up at home away from the bear.
Reading Level: 1.3
Genre: Fiction: Poetry
I chose this story for my text set because it shows the importance of family as well as an
adventure. This shows a bear in their angry state and how a family gets away from the bear.

Backyard Bear Written by: Anne Rockwell

The backyard bear goes about his life. The backyard bear faces challenges. Game wardens are
out to catch the bear and other animals because they are destructing the forest where he lives.
Reading Level: 3.8
Genre: Fiction: Realistic
This book is significant to the text set because it discusses the endangerment that black bears
face. This also discusses a very important topic of deforestation and brings up how students can
help prevent it.

Bear Snores On Written by: Karma Wilson

Bear is going through a period of time where all he does is sleep. All of his animal friends do not
understand why he keeps on sleeping. The animal friends all gather in the bears cave and despite
all noises made Bear does not wake up.
Reading Level: 2.2
Genre: Fiction: Poetry
Bear Snores On is a great book to show students the importance that hibernation has on bears.
This book also shows the comparison between the bear and his other animal friends.

Polar Bear Plunge

San Diego Zoo

http://polarbearplunge.sandiegozoo.org/#/home
This site is an interactive way for students to learn about polar bears. The site offers
games, fun facts and information, as well as being able to virtually explore the zoo

exhibit of polar bears.

Kindergarten Fifth Grade
This site was chosen simply because it is a fun and engaging way for students to find out
more about polar bears. There is helpful information tied into each section of the site to
ensure that viewers are learning about polar bears.

Interactive Bear Viewing

National Film Board of Canada

http://bear71.nfb.ca/#/bear71
This site shows videos and film of bears that have tracking collars placed on them. This is
a great way for students and teachers to see what bears do in their natural behavior and

habitat.
Kindergarten College
This site was chosen because I thought it was a different way to look at bears. Being able
to see bears in their natural habitat through their tracking collars is a great way for
students to see bears for what they truly are.

Bears.org

Bears.org
http://bears.org/
This site offers multitudes of information on various types of bears ranging from
grizzly bears to sun bears. This site is a great tool for students to use when comparing
and contrasting the different types of bears or wanting to gain more knowledge about

bears.
Fourth Grade Eighth Grade
I chose this site because it offered a large amount of information on bears of all
different kinds. I feel like having this information all on one site would be an easy
way for students to quickly find out information on bears.

Panda Bears Playhouse

The Java Script Source

http://www.pandabearsplayhouse.com/
Panda Bears Playhouse offers many fun activities for students to engage in. There are
games, coloring pages, singing, dancing, word searches and much more. This site is a fun

site for students to have access to during free time.

Kindergarten Third Grade
I chose this site because it is a site that students do not have to focus fully on academic
material. Students can engage in this site through many different activities that will
empower their brain, but give them the feeling of enjoyment.

Grizzly People

Montreal Media and Alpha Search Canada

http://www.grizzlypeople.com/
This site offers ways to help grizzly bears and other bears. This site supports saving
animals, but specifically grizzly bears. It is a good site to access to become more aware of

the needs that grizzly bears have.

Fourth Eighth
I chose this site because I felt like students should be aware of the challenges that animals
face and what they, as students can do to help out.

Five Reader Response Examples

3-2-1 Go!
3-2-1 Go is a short and simple reader response that allows for students to recollect
information that they gathered from the text. This reader response involves cutting, stapling,
recalling information, and writing. I paired this activity with the book Global Warming.
The instructions for the reader response are as follows: - Have printouts of numbers one, two,
and three. Cut out each printout On number one write at least one sentence stating if you did
or did not like the book and explain why On number two write two facts that you found to be
the most interesting On number three write three words that you read that were new or
interesting to you After doing all of the previous steps staple all of the numbers together and
place it in the book folder

Sticky Note Patrol

This reader response allows for the reader to draw out their opinions they felt from the story.
This activity allows for readers to go passed the words and more in depth with the meaning of
the story.
The instructions are as follows: - Place three sticky notes onto a piece of construction paper

Write on one of the sticky notes a scene you felt to be important to you Write on the second
sticky note something new you found out from the story On the last sticky note write a scene
from the book that you wish you were there for

Movie Poster
Movie Poster is a reader response that allows the creativity of the students to shine. This activity
expresses how students feel about the book through visual drawing and representation.
The instructions are as follows: - Imagine the story you just read being turned into a movie
Draw on the movie poster paper what you think the movie cover would look like

Saw-Heard-Felt
Saw-Heard-Felt is a reader response can be used during or after the reading of a story. This
activity allows for students to draw out their emotions and feelings from the story to truly see
how they felt about what they read.
The instructions are as follows: - Have the students cut out each object (eye, ear, and hand)
During or After reading the story have students write on the eye what they saw while they were
reading Have students write on the ear what they heard while reading Have students write on
the hand what they felt while reading

A Letter to a Character
This reading response allows for students to connect with characters from the book and develop
a more personal meaning behind the story. The letter also offers students to express their
feelings, opinions, and questions toward the character.
The instructions are as follows: -Have students pick out a Letter Template Allow for students to
use markers, pens, pencils, quills, or any utensil they would like Have students write a letter to
a character or characters from the book Tell students to express how they feel toward this

character and feel free to ask questions

All of the reader responses will be turned into a folder that students have access to. Doing this
will allow for students to see how others felt about certain books and whether or not they will
have any interest in the book. This is also a good way for teachers to keep track of books that
should be kept and books that should be put aside.