Blueberries for Sal Pretend Play Activity

Pretend play is so very valuable for kids, and the classic story, Blueberries for Sal, opens doors to so many pretend play ideas.

You and your child can giggle the day away with this bear mask costume craft (free printable!) and accompanying pretend play prompts!

Blueberries for Sal is everything a good piece of children’s literature should be: beautiful words and illustrations, a hint of silly, and lovely to read over and over again!

I’ve always loved the last page of the book that features Sal and her mama canning up all the blueberries they picked.

Since we can a lot of food around here, I love seeing it represented as normal in this sweet little book! My son is often in the kitchen with me in the same way during blackberry season!

With 47 blackberry bushes, you can imagine how many blackberries we get to process and eat during the spring every year!

But during our down time, we love to read and play… Blueberries for Sal is a classic that we love to read often!

Blueberries for Sal Pretend Play

Pretend play with story text means that children become actively involved in a story. Drama engages children at many levels- through their bodies, minds, emotions, language, and more!

It also provides them with the chance to practice speaking skills and improve their pronunciation.

By acting out the words (and pictures!), children make them their own. This also makes the story more memorable.

For this pretend play activity, start by reading this delightful book with your child. Check out your local library to see if they have it available, or if you’d like your own copy, you can order one here.

After you’ve read it at least once, but preferably a few times over a couple of days, download the free printable to make a bear mask craft with your child!

You may choose to use the acting prompts to spark pretend play. Print two masks if you’d like to be the mama bear and play right along with your child!

How to Make the Bear Mask:

1. Print mask on cardstock. (Grab it at the end of this post)
2. Have your child color the bear face (Allow creativity, it can be pink and blue if they want).
3. Cut out eye holes and punch holes for the elastic.
4. Attach the elastic through one hole, then fit the mask to your child.
5. Tie the other end of the elastic through the last hole.Now you’re ready to act out the story!

Acting Prompts for Pretend Play:

There are many different ways to act out this story, and if your child has some ideas on his or her own, let them do it! If they are looking for a little guidance, here are a few examples:

1. Read the story while your child acts out the scenes.
2. Have your child narrate the story themselves while acting it out.
3. Let your child assign roles to you and others in the house, possibly even casting stuffed toys as characters.
4. Allow them to play different characters within the story, not just the bear!

You might also enjoy:

• 15 Must Have Kindergarten Books: Learning to Read
• Phonics Worksheets for Vowel Sounds
• Learning Letters: Mailing “Letters” Alphabet Game

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Grab The Bear Mask Download

This adorable bear mask is part of our member’s only library! And it’s completely free to become a member! Whoo-hoo!

If you are an existing member, click here to head to the member’s only section and enter the password from your welcome email.

Otherwise, sign up below to become a member and get password and instant download!

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