Did you read Paddington Bear as a child? I did and I am so excited to be able to share it not only as a book but as a movie with my own kids. I was asked to share this sponsored post about the brand new Paddington movie that will be in Theaters January 16; From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (HARRY POTTER); with a fantastic cast including Nicole Kidman. I can’t wait to check out the new film and I am using my daughter’s excitement about the film to help me keep her busy during our upcoming holiday travel. If you aren’t familiar with Paddington let me catch you up. Here is a little more about the film and how they took it from page to screen.
So you might be wondering why I am promoting a movie. Movies can be amazing launching pads of more learning especially when there is a whole bunch of non screen options for learning that go with it. Not only can you use your child’s excitement to dive into all the Paddington books by Micheal Bond but you can create a fun Busy Bear suitcase filled with FREE printables to learn on the go. Here is how we made ours.
Gather your materials, You will need a paper mache suitcase ( or a plain tote bag ) , some acrylic paint, paint brushes, some baker’s twine, pencils and colored pencils, and the following free printables :
Learn to Draw Paddington’s Hat
When I print out printables like these I always make master copies and keep them in a file so that when my kids ask to do another one I can easily make copies instead of finding the link again, hooking up the printer… just a little tip I wish I’d known way back when.
Time to paint your suitcase. 
My daughter loved this. Using ” big kid” paint was a treat and she was totally into it. While she painted we talked all about our upcoming trip as well as all the other places we both want to explore. After painting we grabbed our globe to check out where Paddington Bear was from ( Peru) and where he was when he was found ( London). We chatted about travel and tried to think about how Paddington might feel being so far from home.
While she finished up painting the other side I gathered the colored pencils and tied some baker’s twine around them. 
When the suitcase was all dry it was time to pack it full of the printables.
She couldn’t wait until our trip, she had to do some of the activities right away. 
She was especially proud of the lipstick she drew on Paddington!
How have you used movies as launching pads for more learning with your kids?
Connect with #PaddingtonMovie
Like Paddington on Facebook Follow on Twitter Instagram, Pinterest
As stated above this post is sponsored by The Weinstein Company. The busy bear suitcase craft is my own idea.
Inese says
I love your activity, Just wondering where did you get a suitcase?
Allison McDonald says
Micheal’s