Literature Based Learning with the Beloved Paddington Bear
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I am a huge advocate for literature-based learning. Paddington Bear was one of the two beloved bears of my childhood, so I was happy to order a new copy for our review of the Picture Book Explorer Series by Branch Out World. The week-long study was the perfect amount of hands-on work for my group of 6- to 9-year-olds.
A Perfect Start for Little Readers
This nearly 50-page set of printable PDFs was a perfect jumping-off point for those transitioning to a new homeschool routine. The focus of our set was the picture book about Paddington Bear. I love literature-based learning sets to help us maximize our experience.
Since my nine-year-old is reading, I also ordered a set of chapter books for her, but the simple picture book, based on the first two chapters, holds a younger child’s attention very well.
Not too Long, Not too Short, Just Right
The Explorer walks you through 5 days of activities. This is the perfect length for younger students. They like familiarity and repetition, but too much of it, and they get bored. Each day, you explore a new concept. There are three or more activities for each day. Everything is scheduled, and a supply list is provided so you know exactly what you need for the week.
On day one, you explore the setting. Since our little bear travels from Peru and is found in Paddington Station in the UK, we explored those countries. Flags, maps, and additional books from the library helped us get a sense of where the story took place. We also discovered more about the world we live in because little ones are always asking questions.
Day two, we explored words. I love vocabulary building in all shapes and sizes. The kids made a vocabulary pocket for the new words they added and drew pictures of the meanings before tucking their cards away.
Day three is for exploring pictures. Taking time to really look at and discuss the picture book’s artwork, and making our own pictures.
Day four, exploring Science, had us looking up all kinds of bear facts and adding to our Andean Bear habitat notebooking page.
Day Five brought us back to train tracks and a little math work. We talked about and made parallel (like train tracks) and transverse (not like train tracks) lines with rulers and protractors. We also packed our suitcases to work on our spatial awareness. (Some of us could use some work, or just need a bigger suitcase.
There are just enough activities in each day of the Picture Book Explorer that you would never be hard-pressed to get all of them in if you wanted to, but you are free to pick and choose. Just like I did when I chose NOT to do the shaving cream activity. We just got over the slime craze, and I am not going to tempt the kids with half a can of shaving cream.
Great For a Sitter or Grandparent to Use
We had a sitter for a women’s bible study for a time, and this would have been a fun activity for the kids to do weekly. In our homeschool, the kids did science at Grandma’s house, and this would also be a good guide for the little ones to have a class too. I have even considered having my older kids take turns teaching another “class” like this one for a weekday as part of our school time this year.
Worth The Price if You Are Looking For Some Help
Overall, I liked the clear, simple format of Paddington Bear: Picture Book Explorer. The five-day time frame gave us plenty to choose from without being overwhelming. The price can seem a little high for this set at almost $12 (US), but I am also a vet homeschool mom. I know now that I could have paid for that in my first years to help me get some structure and have the activities pre-planned for me.
This set doesn’t skimp and does give plenty of value. The projects were peaceful, which is saying a lot.
There are plenty more Picture Book Explorer sets from Branch Out World, and they are priced lower. If you are not sure, you could try one of the smaller sets for under $8, which also includes Linked Lap Books for a combination of print and online experiences. I am looking at the Lab Book for Marco Polo and think I might just have to check it out for ourselves.
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Check them out on your favorite social channels, and, as always, click the link below to see how other families used this Picture Book Explorer in their homeschools.
How fun! I would’ve loved something like this when my son was younger, especially since we lived in Peru as a family for a couple years.
What an adventure. I am just at the edge of lower elementary with my youngest being 7. I’m so glad to get to catch these great learning tools before we all grow up.