With a recently overhauled set of resources, a range of interactive online features and a focus on bilateral bears activities with a project partner school in Germany, Alex and Ben bring a fun and accessible international dimension to the primary school classroom!
What is the bears project?
In short, the bears project involves the following features:
- There are two real, furry teddy bears, Alex from Germany and Ben from the UK.
- Alex travels to schools in the UK, Ben to their respective project partner schools in Germany.
- Each bear is accompanied by a wide range of colourful, downloadable resources, including flashcards, worksheets and detailed lesson ideas. These are linked, where possible, with curriculum topics and tie in closely with the KS2 Framework for Languages.
- Each participating teacher receives access to a special online bears area, with songs, interactive games and quizzes. In addition, pupils can record Alex's adventures in the bears' blog and online photo album (see links below)
- The bears normally stay for a period of three weeks.
If you don't have a partner school for the project, don't worry! We can help you find a partner, also on a short-term project basis.
How it all began
On a warm summer's day, Ben and Alex met on a beach in Portugal. "Who are you? Where do you come from? What's it like there?", they asked each other, and soon became friends.
After exchanging some stories about their homes, they decided to visit each other's countries.
Alex the bear from Germany is travelling around primary schools in the United Kingdom to find out what life is like there and to tell children about his home. In the meantime, Ben from the UK is doing the same in Germany.
Alex and Ben act both as 'mini ambassadors' of their countries and explorers. With the help of the school and pupils they are staying with, the bears explore a wide variety of topics, introducing young pupils to interesting facts about Germany and the UK, and also to basic German and English.
Their adventures and discoveries are presented on the voyage kids website.
Please note: The bears project is open to schools in the UK and Germany only.
Further information
If you are interested in hosting the bears, or would simply like to find out more, please contact Marta Piwowarski by using the bears project online form.