Heb
Facebook
Kindergarten Books > The Bridge

The Bridge

Text: Heinz Janisch / Illustrations: Helga Bansch

A bear and a giant come face to face halfway across a long, narrow bridge— each trying to reach the opposite bank of the river. How will they both manage to get across the bridge without falling, or shoving each other off the edge? The resolution the two come up with illustrates the advantages of thinking creatively and collaboratively in situations where there are conflicting desires.

Family Activities

A bear and a giant come face to face halfway across a long, narrow bridge— each trying to reach the opposite bank of the river. How will they both manage to get across the bridge without falling, or shoving each other off the edge? The resolution these two creatures come up with illustrates the ...

Read More   

Links

Video

Dear Parents,

A bear and a giant come face to face halfway across a long, narrow bridge— each trying to reach the opposite bank of the river. How will they both manage to get across the bridge without falling, or shoving each other off the edge? The resolution these two creatures come up with illustrates the advantages of thinking creatively and collaboratively in situations where there are conflicting desires.

We share with you a few activities to do with your child, after reading the book together:

Family Activities

  • Look through the book together and examine the unusual illustrations that accompany the text. Notice the various perspectives the illustrator used in creating these pictures. Which pictures show the action from above—and which from the side? Talk with your children and ask them why they think the illustrator chose to portray the events on the bridge as she did.
  • Sometimes, before we arrive at a good idea, we first have to try (and discard) some not-so-good ideas. Together with your children, go back over the various solutions which the bear and the giant proposed in the story. What are the upsides and downsides of each idea?
  • Every child has experienced a clash of wills. Sometimes one family member wants to play music while the other wants quiet, or one wants to read in bed while the other wants to turn out the light and go to sleep. Or a child might be deep in a game when her parents inform her that it’s time to leave the house. … After reading the story with your child, talk about how all of us have differing desires at times, and recall any creative resolutions you and your family may have reached.
  • Legos, blocks and other construction toys are perfect materials to build a bridge together. you can use it to stage a little play based on the story, using dolls or Lego characters.
  • Do you remember the game of "Golden bridge"? Stand opposite your child and hold both his hand high to form a bridge. Invite other family members and friends to pass under the bridge, while singing: "Oh Golden bridge, Oh golden bridge/ we all pass under you and someone will be caught". Whoever is passing the minute you say "caught" is out.
  • Go for a walk or trip with your child to explore bridges around your area. It can be a small bridge in a park, or a playground or a natural area. What do bridges have in common, and how do they differ from each other?

רעיונות לשילוב הספר בגן

From the Field