Introduction:
“We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” is one of the most cherished children’s books and songs, captivating young audiences with its adventurous spirit and rhythmic, interactive storytelling. Originally a traditional campfire chant, this song has been adapted into books, animated specials, and classroom activities. Its simple, repetitive structure, paired with the imaginative journey of overcoming obstacles in the search for a bear, makes it a timeless favorite. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the lyrics, history, educational benefits, and fun activities that can enhance the experience of this classic.
Lyrics of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”
Here is a well-known version of the chant used in classrooms and homes:
Verse 1:
We’re going on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one,
What a beautiful day!
We’re not scared.
Verse 2 (Obstacle 1 – Grass):
Oh-oh! Grass!
Long, wavy grass.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!
(Swish, swish, swish!)
Verse 3 (Obstacle 2 – River):
Oh-oh! A river!
A deep, cold river.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!
(Splash, splash, splash!)
Verse 4 (Obstacle 3 – Mud):
Oh-oh! Mud!
Thick, oozy mud.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!
(Squelch, squelch, squelch!)
Verse 5 (Obstacle 4 – Forest):
Oh-oh! A forest!
A big, dark forest.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!
(Stumble, trip, stumble, trip!)
Verse 6 (Obstacle 5 – Snowstorm):
Oh-oh! A snowstorm!
A swirling, whirling snowstorm.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!
(Hoooo woooo! Hoooo woooo!)
Verse 7 (Obstacle 6 – Cave):
Oh-oh! A cave!
A narrow, gloomy cave.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no! We’ve got to go in it!
(Tiptoe, tiptoe, tiptoe!)
Bear Encounter:
What’s that?
One shiny wet nose!
Two big furry ears!
Two big goggly eyes!
IT’S A BEAR!!
Escape:
Quick! Back through the cave!
(Tiptoe, tiptoe, tiptoe!)
Back through the snowstorm!
(Hoooo woooo! Hoooo woooo!)
Back through the forest!
(Stumble, trip, stumble, trip!)
Back through the mud!
(Squelch, squelch, squelch!)
Back through the river!
(Splash, splash, splash!)
Back through the grass!
(Swish, swish, swish!)
Back home!
Get to our front door,
Open the door,
Up the stairs,
Oh no! We forgot to shut the door!
Back downstairs,
Shut the door!
Back upstairs into the bedroom,
Jump into bed,
Under the covers!
We’re not going on a bear hunt again!
The Origins of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”
Originally a traditional chant and campfire song, “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” has roots in oral storytelling traditions, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact origin. It gained widespread popularity in the English-speaking world through Michael Rosen’s 1989 children’s picture book adaptation, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. The book’s rhythmic text, combined with Oxenbury’s iconic watercolors, transformed the old chant into an interactive literary adventure that continues to enchant children to this day.
The story was adapted into a popular animated television special in 2016, further solidifying its place in children’s culture.
The Appeal of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”
- Interactive Storytelling:
The adventure is designed for children to participate physically, using hand movements and sounds to mimic actions like “swishing” through grass, “splashing” through a river, or “squelching” through mud. This makes the experience highly engaging and fun for kids. - Rhythmic and Repetitive Structure:
The repetitive phrases, such as “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!” create a rhythmic pattern that helps children anticipate what’s coming next and reinforces language learning. - Sense of Adventure:
Children love the thrill of the bear hunt, which sparks their imaginations as they follow the characters through various natural obstacles. The growing tension that leads to the bear encounter is exciting, yet the safe return home provides reassurance and closure. - Humorous Ending:
The story’s conclusion, where the family vows never to go on a bear hunt again, is a humorous and relatable moment that children find funny and comforting after the exciting chase.
Educational Benefits of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”
- Language and Vocabulary Development:
The rhyme introduces children to descriptive language, such as “long, wavy grass” and “thick, oozy mud,” helping them develop their vocabulary. The rhythmic repetition also aids in memory retention and language comprehension. - Sequencing and Story Structure:
The story follows a clear sequence of events, from setting off on the hunt to encountering the bear and rushing back home. This helps children understand the concept of narrative sequencing, which is crucial for reading comprehension and storytelling skills. - Gross Motor Development:
The physical actions involved in the chant, like “swishing” through grass or “tiptoeing” in the cave, help develop children’s gross motor skills. Acting out the story is an engaging way to combine movement with language learning. - Spatial Awareness and Problem-Solving:
As the characters encounter obstacles, they explore different solutions (over, under, or through). This introduces young children to the concept of spatial awareness and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.
Fun Activities with “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”
- Act Out the Story:
Get children to act out the various parts of the bear hunt. Use props like a blanket for the grass or a bowl of water for the river. Encourage them to “go through” each obstacle, mimicking the sounds and movements described in the story. - Create Sensory Bins:
Make small sensory bins representing different obstacles, such as a grass bin with plastic grass or string, a mud bin with play dough or brown slime, and a water bin for the river. This gives children a tactile experience as they reenact the story. - Bear Hunt Art Project:
Have children draw the different parts of the story or make a map of their own bear hunt adventure. They can illustrate each obstacle they encounter and their journey home. - Sing Along:
Turn the chant into a sing-along, using the familiar rhythm of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” as a fun musical activity. Add instruments like drums or shakers to enhance the experience. - Create Your Own Adventure:
After singing or reading the original bear hunt, encourage children to come up with their own version of the story. They can imagine new obstacles or even go on a different kind of hunt (e.g., a dinosaur hunt or a treasure hunt).
Why “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” is Perfect for Kids
- Engaging and Interactive:
The combination of physical movement, catchy repetition, and a thrilling narrative makes “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” highly engaging for children. It allows them to be active participants in the story, which helps to capture their attention and keep them engaged. - Encourages Imagination and Creativity:
The vivid descriptions and adventurous theme invite children to use their imaginations. They picture themselves in the story, encountering grass, rivers, and bears, which fosters creativity and exploration. - Reinforces Problem-Solving:
As the characters find ways to navigate obstacles, children learn about problem-solving in a natural, playful context. They also see that sometimes, the best solution is to face challenges head-on, as symbolized by “going through” the obstacles.
Conclusion:
“We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” is a timeless adventure that continues to enchant children with its rhythmic storytelling and interactive nature. Whether you’re singing it during circle time, reading it at bedtime, or acting it out during playtime, this story provides endless opportunities for fun, learning, and creativity. Its simple yet engaging structure makes it accessible to children of all ages, while its imaginative theme sparks curiosity and adventure.
Fun Fact:
- A Worldwide Favorite:
Michael Rosen’s adaptation of “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” has been translated into multiple languages and continues to be a favorite worldwide, bringing joy to children in countless countries.
“We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”—An unforgettable journey through grass, mud, and snow in search of the bear!