Bear Hunt sensory tray
Bring the classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt to life with a sensory tray inspired by the pages of the book.
If your child loves the book We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen, Helen Oxenbury), this sensory tray turns the story into a full-body, hands-on adventure!
You’ll set out simple household materials that represent each scene - think cocoa mud, icy snow, herby forests, and a splishy-splashy river.
It’s bookish play at its best: engaging the senses, encouraging storytelling, and giving your child the chance to act out the scenes with little figurines (or just their fingers!).
Set it up all at once in a tray, or introduce each scene one at a time over the day or week.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Gather 3–5 small bowls or containers.
Step 2:
Fill each one with a different sensory base to match the story scenes.
Step 3:
Place the containers side by side in a tray or on a mat, or introduce them separately as you read the book together. You can also split each scene up as a different acitvity over the day or week.
Play
Step 1:
Set out the tray and read the book aloud or invite your child to retell the story.
Step 2:
Let them move figurines (or fingers) through each scene.
Step 3:
Encourage scooping, swirling, and storytelling as they go on their "hunt." and let them play and explore openly.
Extend
Narrate Together: Ask your child to describe what they see, feel, and smell in each scene.
Hide a Bear: Tuck a little bear toy into one section for them to find or hide a teddy somewhere around the house (a cushion cave perhaps?)
Act It Out: Follow up with a real-life obstacle course to mirror the book!
