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Smokey Bear: Libraries and Educators

All about Smokey Bear

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge


Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. Join Smokey in learning about wildfire prevention and the environment. Read books, take action, and have fun! And remember…only you can prevent wildfires.

  • Who: Challenge is geared for parents of children, ages 4 to 10, but all ages are welcome. Only parents or guardians may fill out the form below to access the digital toolkit.

  • When: January 1 through November 28, 2024.

  • How to Sign Up: Ask your local librarian or get started by downloading the printable challenge log. You can also check out Smokey’s Reading List

  • Have Fun: Read books about wildfire and the environment, take action, receive prizes, and help Smokey!
     

Access the digital toolkit which contains everything needed to promote and implement the challenge, including:

  • Printable challenge paper log, posters, bookmarks, sticker/button templates, completion certificates, coloring sheets, “Pin the Hat on Smokey” game, Smokey’s Reading List, and printable prizes.
  • Graphics and images for online platforms, social media, monitors, and websites

Smokey Bear images used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service.

Activities and lessons

 

Smokey bear leaning out to the right. Image from the 1950s. 
Smokey Bear & Friends Teacher’s Guide

Smokey’s Story (B/W)  Color - Includes stick puppets
 

Natural Inquirer (download free materials):Meet Smokey Bear's Team

Smokey Bear Activity Book

Includes Smokey’s Story and Stick Puppets/Stage. For a stage with a background see the PDF file above.

Color PDF (8 pages) | B&W PDF (8 pages)

 

Smokey and his friendsSmokey Balloon craft
A one-act play, stage directions and script

 

Make your own Smokey Bear Hot-Air Balloon. 

 

Video

A Day in the Forest with Smokey Bear.

English (MPEG, 91MB) | Spanish (MPEG, 91MB)

 

 

 

Smokey Bear images used with the permission of the USDA Forest Service.

Smokey Bear Story

The State Library has a large copy of Smokey Bear Story that is great for story times. It is available through Interlibrary Loan.

Smokey Bear story = La historia del Oso Smokey

“This book narrates my story, the story of Smokey Bear. I would like you to introduce me to your students by sharing my story..”

“Este libro narra mi historia, la historia del Oso Smokey. Me encantaría que ustedes le hablaran de mi a sus estudiantes a través de ésta, mi historia.

Read the Smokey Bear Story in Dine, translation by Mildred Walters (see file below)

Every Kid Outdoors

Every Kid Outdoors

Every Kid Outdoors

Every Kid Outdoors was created so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for free.