Teddy bear facts for kids
A teddy bear is a soft toy that looks like a bear cub. These popular toys are found all over the world. Long ago, teddy bears were made from mohair, which is hair from goats. Today, they are usually made from soft, man-made fabrics. Teddy bears are often given to children, but they are also used to comfort people and even help with learning.
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How Teddy Bears Got Their Name
There are many stories about how the teddy bear got its name. The most famous story says it was named after Theodore Roosevelt, who was the 26th President of the United States. He was president from 1901 to 1909. His friends often called him "Teddy."
The most popular story happened in November 1902. President Roosevelt was on a bear hunt in Mississippi. He and other hunters rode horses and used hunting dogs to find bears. The dogs chased a bear, but the men lost sight of them. When they returned to their camp, they found a bear there. Everyone wanted President Roosevelt to shoot the bear, but he refused to do it and wouldn't let anyone else shoot it either. This act of kindness is said to have inspired the name "Teddy Bear."
Teddy Bears for Grown-Ups
Teddy bears aren't just for kids! Many adults also enjoy them.
Teddy Bears as Clothes
During World War I, British soldiers wore warm fur coats they called "Teddys." American soldiers also wore a one-piece fur suit they called a "teddy." Even some women's comfortable nightgowns have been nicknamed "Teddy."
Teddy Bears as Mascots
Teddy bears have often been used as mascots and companions for adults.
- In 1972, Olympic Long Jump Gold Medal winner Randy Williams was pictured on Life magazine with a teddy bear at the Munich games. An old girlfriend had given him the bear.
- While playing baseball for the San Francisco Giants, Ron Bryant was nicknamed "Bear." This was because he always carried his teddy bear with him. Later, when he played for the Chicago Cubs, he bought another bear from a girl on the street. He took this bear to a game, and his team won! After that, he brought the bear to all the games. The teddy bear even got its own baseball uniform with Bryant's number.
Collecting Teddy Bears
Many adults enjoy collecting special teddy bears.
Cherished Teddies
"Cherished Teddies" are small statues or figurines of teddy bears. They are often collected as decorative items. Only a limited number of each design are made. Some are rarer than others. The fewer that are made of a particular design, the more valuable they become to collectors.
TY Beanie Babies
Beanie Baby bears are very popular collectibles. The "Princess Diana" bear honors the late Princess of Wales. This bear is royal purple and has two flowers on its heart. Collectors can even buy accessories for it, like a tiny crown or cape. Some Beanie Baby bears that had small mistakes during production are considered very valuable. This is because only a few of them were made with these "defects." Collectors often look for these unique bears to make their collections special. Just like with "Cherished Teddies," the rarer a Beanie Baby bear is, the more money it can be worth. The condition of the small tags on the bears' ears also adds to their value. Children often pull these tags off, which can make the bears less valuable for collectors.
How Teddy Bears Help and Teach
Teddy bears are used in many helpful ways, especially for children.
Bears in the Classroom
Teddy bears are used in classrooms to help children learn. They can comfort and support children. Teddy bears are also used to teach kids about different places. For example, in some stories, a teddy bear travels and sends postcards to readers. This helps children learn about geography and other cultures. Teddy bear books also help children learn to read and create happy memories for parents and grandparents.
Teddy Bear Cops
In America, police officers sometimes give teddy bears to children who are going through difficult or scary experiences. These bears help comfort children during a crisis. For example, if a child needs to move from their home to foster care, or if a parent is arrested, a teddy bear can provide a sense of security. Firefighters also give bears to children who have been affected by fires.
Gallery
Images for kids
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An RAF Boulton Paul Defiant crew pose with their teddy bear mascot at RAF Biggin Hill during World War II
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1: Cutting the fabric pieces
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2: Sewing the pieces and turning them right side out
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3: Filling the bear with stuffing
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4: Assembling the bear's parts
See also
In Spanish: Osito de peluche para niños
