Penguins and polar bears do NOT live close to each other, but many books try to convince us otherwise, much to preschool teachers’ dismay everywhere! Penguins live at the south pole, and polar bears live in the north pole. However, some wonderful authors have capitalized on this misconception and written some wonderful books that share the correct facts in amazing picture books. I shared these books with my students this year and sent home this winter math activity along with a handful of Unifix Cubes to measure with. You can use this affiliate link to get Unifix cubes here.
I made these printables so you can use just the penguins, just the polar bears, or both! Print the free printable here.
Cut the pages into individual cards. Pop them on a tray in your math center with some unifix cubes. Now your winter math activity is ready.
Measure!
Keep going. I love using Unifix cubes because putting them together is tricky and really works on hand strength too. Such a simple activity, but so many skills packed into it.
Print out your free measuring cards here.
Books About Polar Bears and Penguins
All booklists include affiliate links.
Polar Bear Island by Lindsay Bonilla is a fantastic book. Sent to me by the publisher, this book is a kid-friendly look at immigration, innovation, and what it means to be inclusive. I absolutely love this book because it doesn’t shame Kirby the polar bear for being against change. It accepts that change is hard and wonderful.
Poles Apart by Jeanne Willis is my newest book purchase. As a preschool teacher, it drives me bonkers when people make crafts or write stories where a polar bear and penguins are friends unless, like in Poles Apart, they specifically talk about how these two animals live on opposite ends of the earth. This story is hilarious and perfect for a PreK class. In the story, the penguin family gets a little lost and ends up in the Arctic. A friendly polar bear helps them get back home but not before they have an epic adventure through multiple countries. I love the travel aspect of this story, and following up a read-aloud with a map activity would be perfect! I love this book!
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