Teddy bears in the window

05/19/2020 English German

Edition # 134
San Francisco, 05-19-2020

Haircuts At Home With Flowbee Evening City Hikes Standing in Line for Groceries Dough from the telephone pole Sparkling water machine instead of Pellegrino Teddy bears in the window Sewn masks Open stores during Corona Reckless joggers

Teddy bears in the window

Figure [1]: Instructions for the Teddy Bear Scavenger Hunt for Children.

Angelika Anyone who works with young children or has their own children knows the classic "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen. I can't even count how many times I've reenacted this picture book story with children, crawling through the tall grass, stomping in the mud, and swimming through the river together, only to finally arrive at the bear's cave. Shortly after the lockdown restrictions were imposed, we started seeing teddy bears placed in windows during our walks.

Figure [2]: This family has placed a teddy bear in the window for the scavenger hunt.

At first, we thought that children had just placed their stuffed animals in the windows for no particular reason, but it soon became clear that there was more to it -- essentially a pandemic game. The rules are simple: the task is to find as many teddy bears in neighborhood windows as possible. It's a good way to keep children entertained during the permitted outdoor walks. To be honest, we also enjoy it, and we're always happy when we spot another bear.

Figure [3]: Encouraging sign on a balcony.

Besides the bears, many people are also giving free rein to their artistic ambitions, hanging signs with encouraging messages in their windows or on their balconies. Our neighborhood is full of them: "Let the Distance Keep Us Together" beamed at us from a balcony. Some also thank the medical staff or other workers who are doing a lot during this crisis. On another side street near us, a resident has decorated the sidewalk with large plastic flamingos that smile at you cheerfully and spread good vibes.

Figure [4]: All playgrounds are closed due to COVID-19.

The idea, of course, had to be put to educational use right away and shared with my students. I recorded a video of the signs during our walks, added my commentary to the video, showed it to my students, and then had them create similar signs and display them visibly in their windows.