The Teddy Bear Project

Language:

English

Grade/Age:

Primary (5-11), Middle (12-14), Secondary (15-18)

Subject:

Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

Global Goals:

4. Quality Education, 16: Peace and Justice, Strong Institutions

Dates:

August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Registration Dates:

August 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026

Facilitator(s):

Kathleen Wong, kywong1@seattleschools.org
Rasagnya Puppala

Project Description:

Students will share cultures through a visiting soft toy. Through the exchange of a bear or other soft toy, students create digital or hard copy journal entries to share with
their partner class. The students can write these messages as if they are the visiting bear describing its experiences in the new culture or as the host. Some of the experiences can include lessons learned in school, a visit home with each student, social events, meals and class activities. The work is shared on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) with the partner class. Throughout the school year, students will find out what their bear is doing in the partner country and learn about its culture.

When is the project most active?

All Year Round

Length of time to complete project:

2-3 Months or all school year

Instructional time required for project:

less than 1 hour per week

Facilitator country:

United States

Will the project include a synchronous exchange?

Project Phases:

Phase 1: mail teddy bears/soft toy ambassador to partner countries.
Phase 2: share digital or hard copy entries about the ambassador’s adventures in host country. Can include a synchronous virtual exchange.
Phase 3: return soft toys/ambassadors to original countries (visit is over).
Where it is not feasible, the ambassador can opt to stay in host country as immigrant (can teach to that).