Bear hunt
We're going on a Bear Hunt celebrates its 30th birthday this year. Michael Rosen’s children’s classic is essentially a tale about resilience. Be it the long wavy grass, cold river, dark forest or gloomy cave, it is accepted throughout that these obstacles cannot be got over or under. Going through them is the only way forward.
Spoiler alert! When the bear is finally encountered, the race back to bed (with a quick second outing after forgetting to close the door) is exciting; the heart quickens and breathing is fast. On reflection, the decision is made not to go bear hunting again, but it has to be acknowledged that the effort was worthwhile if only to learn that bear hunting in your pyjamas is not terribly sensible.
Not one of us should be afraid to fail, but we should all be afraid not to try
I want all of our pupils to experience that sense of challenge, discovery and reflection. I want for all of us who are parents to learn to let their children experience those emotions even if, after diving under their metaphorical bed covers, they decide that a particular experience is not for them. After all, not one of us should be afraid to fail, but we should all be afraid not to try.
