“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Did you know that January 18th is National Winnie-the-Pooh Day? I didn’t. Celebrating this lovable bear is a delightful way to break up the long, cold month of January.
The easiest way to celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh Day is to read some of his stories, whether for the first time or the hundredth. Have some fun by reading aloud, using different voices.
Winnie-the-Pooh and his famous friends are creations of Allan Alexander Milne, or A.A. Milne, who was born on January 18th in 1882. He modeled many of the characters after his son’s (Christopher Robin’s) well-loved stuffed animals and the setting of the Hundred Acre Wood after the Five Hundred Acre Wood in England.
On his first birthday, Christopher Robin received a small teddy bear, who he named Edward. That bear, along with the stuffed friends who came later, were some of his favorite toys. His father, a writer, thought that his son’s beloved companions would be perfect for a children’s story. Obviously he was right!
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Here are some ways your family can celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends:
Language Arts Fun
Research A.A. Milne
Take some time to learn what you can about this famous author. You can use this biography report form to keep track of what you discover.
Explore Characterization
Authors work hard to develop their characters. While reading about the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood, consider how A.A. Milne shaped them by looking at what each character says, thinks, and does throughout the story.
Discuss it together or turn it into a writing assignment.
You be the Author
As you know, Pooh was inspired by Christopher Robin’s stuffed animals.
Make the day’s writing assignment personal by having your child create a story using their own stuffies as inspiration.
If you’re looking for something more formal to work through, consider this Winnie-The-Pooh novel study.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
― A.A. Milne
The Real Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends
Christopher Robin’s beloved friends now live at the New York Public library. Luckily, you don’t have to purchase a plane ticket to see them. You can do it right from your own home.
Celebrate in the Kitchen
Honor Pooh by making something with his favorite ingredient – honey! This honey candy recipe has few components and requires taffy pulling, making it a very kid-friendly recipe.
These are just a few ideas for celebrating everyone’s favorite bear. Hopefully they have inspired you to make Winnie-the-Pooh Day special.
How will your family be celebrating?
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This is awesome, my 11-year-old boy still loves Winnie the Pooh. I think he will really enjoy celebrating on the 18th. Thank you for sharing. Great practical ideas here on how to creative an atmosphere of leaning,