“We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one…” These catchy words have brought joy to both kids and adults for many years, turning regular days into exciting adventures. It’s not just a simple rhyme—it’s an interactive experience that kids everywhere love.
Whether singing it in a classroom or reading it at bedtime, Bear Hunt is a celebration of imagination, action and fun for kids. With every verse you swish through tall grass, hear the whisper of river drumming growing colder as you splash to each line around a bend — all scenes that make storytelling sing. Let’s explore with Nessa playhouse its origins, lyrics, and creative ways to bring this adventure to life.
Nessa and Jka, in their cozy pink hoodie and earmuffs, set off on an exciting bear hunt adventure through the forest!
Origins of the Bear Hunt Song
Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen, a celebrated children’s author and poet, brought “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” to life with his dynamic performance style. He adapted the song into a book in 1989, but the chant itself has roots as a folk song that existed long before his version.
Publication History
1989: Release of Rosen’s book, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
1973: First recorded version in “The American Folk Song Suite”
Early 1960s: Initial performances documented in summer camps
Cultural Significance
The bear hunt chant has become a staple in childhood education:
School: Circle time activity
Camp: Group participation song
Library: Storytime favourite
Home: Family bonding activity
Different Versions Worldwide
The song has been adapted in various cultures, each adding its own unique elements:
American Version: Highlights wilderness adventures
British Version: Focuses on diverse landscapes (mud, forest, snowstorm)
Australian Version: Features local terrain and wildlife
Canadian Version: Incorporates snow and northern elements
Going on a bear hunt lyrics
These are the lyrics by Nessa Playhouse:
[Music]
can we go
[Music]
H we’re going on the bear hunt We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt I’ve got my big map
I’ve got my compass I’m not scared I’m
not scared look there’s a big log in the
way what should we do we can’t go under
it we can’t go under it can’t go through
it we can’t go through it but we can
climb over it but we can climb over it
hoha
hoha we made it we’re going on a bear
hunt We’re Going on a Bear Hunt got my
big map
I’ve got my compass I’m not
scared I’m not scared oh no the wines of
the Jungle are blocking us what should
we do can’t go over it can’t go over it
can’t go through it can’t go through it
but we can go under it but we can go
under it crawl crawl crawl we made it
we’re going on a bear hunt we going on a
bear hunt I’ve got my Big M I’ve got my
compass
I’m not scared I’m not scared
look the ants are crossing in line we
should be careful
can’t go under it
can’t go under it can’t go through it
can’t go through it but we can jump over
it we can jump over it jump jump jump we
made it
we’re going on a bear hunt We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt I’ve got my big map
I’ve got my compass I’m not scared I’m
not scared it’s a beautiful day now but
it’s rained early oh no look at all this
mod can’t go over it can’t go over it
can’t go under it can’t go under it but
we can go through it we’re going to have
to go through it slush slush slush
We made it we’re going on a bear hunt We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt I’ve got my big map
I’ve got my compass I’m not scared I’m
not scared either
oh look what is that
oh it’s a cave can’t go over it can’t go over it
can’t go under it can’t go under it we
can go into it we can go into it stomp stomp stomp
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt got my Big M I’ve
got my compass
A family enjoying a bear hunt adventure in the forest
I’m not scared I’m a
little scared this cave is so dark my
hands are touching something what is
that thing
I feel a cold and wet nose I
feel a cold and wet nose and two big F
ears and two big F ear and two w Shar
teeth and two very sharp teeth sharp
teeth uh-oh
I think it’s the Bear Run
let’s get out of this cave stomp stomp
stomp run back to the mud splush splush splush
what’s the ant Crossing step on
them jump jump jump jump go on the Rines
and jungle craw cra cra go over the lock
hurry cl cl cl run back to the house
close the door go upstairs into our room
lock the door o that was scary let’s not
go bear hunting again yes bears are big
and
[Music]
scary
Interactive Elements
Movement Instructions
- Swishing through grass: Rub hands together side-to-side
- Splashing in river: Pat thighs rhythmically
- Squelching in mud: Make slow stepping motions
- Stumbling in forest: Alternate arm movements forward
- Tip-toeing in cave: Light finger tapping on palm
Voice Variations
- Whisper during sneaking parts
- Full voice for confident walking
- Deep voice for scary moments
- High pitch for excited discoveries
- Hushed tones when hiding
Group Participation Techniques
| Formation | Participation Style | Effect |
| Circle | Leader-follower | Enhanced group coordination |
| Lines | Echo responses | Built anticipation |
| Pairs | Mirror actions | Improved engagement |
Props and Accessories
- Blankets for cave/hiding
- Paper/fabric for grass sounds
- Wooden blocks for forest sounds
- Blue scarves for river crossing
- Percussion instruments for footsteps
Sound Effect Guidance
- “Splash splash”: Clap hands on thighs
- “Squelch squelch”: Tongue clicking
- “Swish swish”: Hand rubbing
- “Stumble crash”: Gentle stomping
- “Pitter patter”: Finger drumming
The interactive elements make this song a full sensory experience. Now that we’ve explored these engaging components, let’s look at the educational benefits these activities bring to young learners.
Educational Benefits
Language Development
- Repetitive phrases enhance vocabulary retention
- Sound effects improve phonological awareness
- Descriptive words build language comprehension
- Interactive storytelling promotes verbal expression
Motor Skills Enhancement
Children develop various physical abilities through:
- Gross motor movements (stomping, climbing)
- Fine motor coordination (hand gestures)
- Balance and spatial awareness
- Rhythm and timing skills
Sequential Thinking
The song’s structure helps children:
- Follow logical progression
- Remember order of events
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Build memory capacity
| Skill Area | Benefits | Examples from Song |
| Language | Vocabulary Growth | Descriptive words like “swishy swashy” |
| Physical | Coordination | Walking, swimming motions |
| Cognitive | Pattern Recognition | Repeated sequences, obstacle navigation |
The “Bear Hunt” song serves as a powerful educational tool, combining physical movement with cognitive development. They soak up new words through the actions in a fun, effective way. This piques their interest in cause-and-effect relationships and gives them confidence to follow multi-step sequences, which are all fairly predictable. Having established the educational value, we set-out some useful tips for how you can do this yourself.
Performance Tips
Group Coordination Strategies
Pick a leader who is sure of himself and guide the performance.
Position everyone in a circle or semicircle for better sight and coordination.
Make sure that you all can make it through one part to the next using hand signals.
Try to do choreographed movements so everyone is in sync.
Timing and Rhythm
Watch for the same rhythm in each part:
| Section | Rhythm Pattern | Movement |
| Walking | Steady 4/4 | March in place |
| Grass | Swish-swish | Sweeping arms |
| River | Splash-splash | Swimming motion |
| Mud | Squelch-squelch | Lifting feet |
Audience Engagement
Engage the audience with C&R.
Pause awkwardly before each challenge for more anticipation.
Vary your tone of voice scene by scene.
Look the audience in the eye.
Age-Appropriate Adjustments
Toddlers (1-2 years old):
Keep movements simple.
Focus on basic sounds.
Do things over and over to make them copy you.
Preschoolers (3-5 years old):
Baffling the behaviour a bit.
Incorporate counting.
Use animal sounds for fun.
School-age (6+):
Include more advanced choreography.
Use props for interaction.
Incorporate new rhymes so it doesn’t get old.
Keep your speed consistent (but feel free to fasten a little bit for extra oomph). Every motion should be deliberate and direct so children will be able to follow along. Don’t forget to make faces at the “scary” bits but leave it understated for younger children.
Popular Adaptations
Book Versions
Most well-known of all is Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s 1989 picture book, which sold millions worldwide.
| Book Version | Year | Notable Features |
| Rosen & Oxenbury | 1989 | Watercolour illustrations, repetitive text |
| Walker Books Edition | 2015 | Anniversary edition, enhanced artwork |
| Board Book Version | 1997 | Durable format for young readers |
Musical Recordings
Several artists have created memorable musical versions of the bear hunt story:
- The Kiboomers’ upbeat interpretation with added sound effects
- Greg & Steve’s educational version with clear rhythm patterns
- Jean’s classroom-friendly adaptation with movement cues
Video Performances
Modern adaptations have brought new life to this classic:
- Michael Rosen’s viral YouTube performance with over 10 million views
- Animated versions by educational channels
- Interactive digital storytelling apps featuring the bear hunt narrative
The enduring popularity of “Going on a Bear Hunt” has inspired countless interpretations across different media. These adaptations have helped maintain the song’s relevance for new generations while preserving its core interactive elements and engaging storyline. The variety of versions available today makes it easier than ever for educators and parents to find the perfect adaptation for their specific needs.
Now that we’ve explored these creative adaptations, let’s look at some practical tips for performing the song yourself.
Conclusion:
Learning and performing “Going on a Bear Hunt” offers more than just entertainment – it’s a gateway to developing crucial early childhood skills. Through its repetitive verses, engaging actions, and interactive elements, children naturally build vocabulary, sequence recognition, and memory while having fun.
Whether in classrooms, at camps, or during family time, this timeless song continues to captivate new generations. So gather your young adventurers, practice those sound effects, and embark on your own bear hunt adventure. Remember – the joy lies not in finding the bear, but in the exciting journey along the way!
If you’d love to go on a bear hunt on Spotify, too, join us there and let the adventure begin!
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Your lifetime opportunity is here for you! We’re going on an Ice Queen Hunt.
Are you brave enough?
It’s time you get your warm boots and hats ready. The palace is icy, it’s snowy around, and can be scary. But you are the bravest and you will meet the Queen!
We challenge you and your kids to join this Ic Queen Hunt NOW!
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