In this reading activity, developed for A2-B1 students, you will discover the surprising true story behind one of the most famous toys in the world: The Teddy Bear story. This is the order of events.
The story takes us back to the year 1902, when U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip.
One decision he made during that trip changed history and helped create a toy that children still love today.
Before you read, review the vocabulary below. Then read the text carefully and answer the comprehension questions. Pay attention to dates, places, and the order of events.
Pre-Reading Activity – The Teddy Bear Story
Reading Activity
Why Is It Called a Teddy Bear?
Did you know that the teddy bear got its name from a U.S. president? The story began in 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi. The governor of the state invited him to join the trip. The other hunters were able to find bears, but Roosevelt did not find any.
After some time, Roosevelt’s helpers found a black bear. They trapped the bear and tied it to a tree. Then they called the president and suggested that he shoot it.
However, Roosevelt refused. He believed it was unfair to shoot an animal that was tied up and could not escape. He thought people should hunt in a fair way. Even though he was known as a strong hunter, he decided not to kill the bear.
Soon, newspapers across the country told the story. Many people were surprised because they did not expect a famous hunter like Roosevelt to refuse to shoot a bear.
A political cartoonist named Clifford Berryman read about the event. So, he decided to draw a funny cartoon about it. The Washington Post published the cartoon in November 1902. In the drawing, the bear looked small and cute.
After that, a shop owner in Brooklyn named Morris Michtom saw the cartoon. He and his wife made stuffed animals in their shop. After seeing the cartoon, he had an idea. He created a stuffed toy bear and put it in his shop window. He named it “Teddy’s Bear” after the president.
Michtom asked President Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname. Roosevelt agreed. The toy became very popular, and many people wanted to buy one. Soon, Michtom began producing many teddy bears and later started a toy company.
Today, children and adults love teddy bears all around the world. And it all started with one hunting trip in 1902.
Adapted from: The Story of the Teddy Bear – Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
Reading Comprehension – The Teddy Bear Story
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