Book: The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Age Group: 4-7

Materials: The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest by Stan and Jan Berenstain; optionsal: cotton balls,
shredded paper, plastic bags or rubber bouncy balls; squares of fabric; rubber bands; markers, glitter,
googly eyes, etc; string.


Reading:
1. Preparation: If working with a younger age group, it might help to prep the “ghosts.” Stuff a
wad of your material of choice into the middle of the fabric squares. Wrap the fabric around it
so it forms a “ghost head.” Tie the ghost head off with rubber bands, so that the filling does not
come out.
2. Ask the kids if they have ever seen a ghost. Where was it? Are you afraid of ghosts? Do you think
ghosts are real? See if anyone wants to share a story of when they have ever been scared outside at night.
3. Read The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Sound effects
and different voices are always nice!


Activities:
Option 1 (Craft):
1. When you have finished, have the kids go and make their own “Ghosts of the forest.” Have them make the ghosts by stuffing a wad of material in the middle of a fabric square and then
wrapping the fabric around it and tying it off with a rubber band. Then, have them decorate the
ghosts the way they want.
2. When everyone has finished their ghosts, practice making “Ghost of the Forest” noises.

Option 2 (Outside)
1. This requires some setup on your part, but is definitely worth it! Before the lesson starts, use construction paper or natural materials to make fake eyes, teeth, spikes, etc. Attach these things to trees and logs in a wooded area to create your own "monsters" hiding in the woods.
2. Go outside with the kids and see if they can find the "monsters". Ask if monsters are actually real, and make sure the kids understand that in reality, they shouldn't be afraid of monsters in the woods.