What's a Teddy Bear to you?

[Spoonful of Sugar]

My DD is in her second year of preschool. Last year she brought a bear for teddy bear day, but this year she brought a cat. She chose the cat because it's her favourite, the only stuffed animal she is at all attached to, actually. I figured it was her choice, even though the activities and crafts might be bear themed. But then again, I let her choose her own clothes for preschool too... a dress over jogging pants? Sure, go nuts!

[anniemck]

When my daughter was in Kindergarten and they had the Teddy Bear Picnic it was specified Teddy BEAR... several brought other animals and they cried because they did not have a BEAR that day. Mom just let them bring whatever. Lucky I thought ahead and had picked up some bears at the Dollar Tree and had them just in case anyone forgot.
The kids were happy after that. Mom's were embarrassed for not reading the paper and understanding what Teddy Bear was until they got there for the picnic and saw everyone with a bear.

[kate_wdw]

Originally Posted by CheekyRose

Since you specified "teddy bear", I'd assume you meant an actual bear.

That sounds dangerous!

[usnuzuloose]

To me Teddy Bear , means just that. Several years ago I voluntered to being a Teddy Bear for a Tea Parade. It was so amazing to see all the the little girls bring their Bears and have tea. There faces were all lit up when they got there pictures taken. I guess Teddy Bear has a new meaning.

[jrmasm]

I think a Teddy Bear is a bear. If my child didn't own a stuff bear, I'd let them bring something else rather than not participate.

[Mkrop]

Teddy Bear=Stuffed BEAR, not your stuffed other animal!

We have always had bears in the house. DS15 once took a Koala Bear, but it was still a bear.

And I would NEVER let them take their absolute favorite stuffie, I would be too worry something would happen to it.


DS15 had a bear.

DS9 has a bear and a lamb.

Even though each kiddo had a bear, they would be taking THAT bear!

[Andtototoo]

Originally Posted by Mkrop

Teddy Bear=Stuffed BEAR, not your stuffed other animal!

We have always had bears in the house. DS15 once took a Koala Bear, but it was still a bear.

And I would NEVER let them take their absolute favorite stuffie, I would be too worry something would happen to it.


DS15 had a bear.

DS9 has a bear and a lamb.

Even though each kiddo had a bear, they would be taking THAT bear!

What if neither kid had a bear?

Would you tell your preschooler, "So sad, too bad. You can't participate today." Would you run out and buy a bear to comply with the teacher's demands?

[Mkrop]

Originally Posted by Andtototoo

What if neither kid had a bear?

Would you tell your preschooler, "So sad, too bad. You can't participate today." Would you run out and buy a bear to comply with the teacher's demands?

Well since we were over run by bears when they were born since that was the nursery theme, I would not have to run out.

And yes like other school supplies I have needed to buy over the years for a one time things, yes I would go buy a cheap bear or borrow one from my neighbor. I have had to buy things for container book reports, diaromas etc. I could always save the bear for a later project, we have used them again or bc I had two kids who went to the same school, we have used these items again, so it wasnt a waste. I can always donate it later.

My neighbor and I "share" stuff all the time. She has lent me stuffed lions, owls, chess pieces fo book reports. Every 4th grader has to do a Scavenger Hunt of PA, they need 4 items from PA colleges. They went to DC for college. I happen to have various college stuff in my house so I lent it to her.

So coming up with a bear for Teddy Bear picnic would not be any different than anything else, I would comply with the instructions the teacher set out. Now if Teddy Bear was in quotes "Teddy Bear" than I might think that was open to interpretation for other critters!

I am a rule follower by nature so if it says Bear I will be scrambling to find a bear. If I truly cant then I would email the teacher and ask for a substiution possibilty.


ETA...maybe it is your wording but I dont see it as a teacher's "demand" I see it as a request that I will do my best to fufill within reason.