Teddy Talk

Page Summary

This activity allows children/young people who don't usually express an opinion have a voice through their teddy.

Hearing what young children think.
Allowing children who don't normally express an opinion have a voice through their teddy.

Each child to bring a teddy bear (or similar soft toy - you may need a few spares)
A teddy (or soft toy) of your own
Some questions to ask

Decide what you want to find out about - it might be your church group, worship, your toddler group, an activity or trip.

Sit the children in a circle with their teddies.
Go round and ask the children to tell you the name of their teddy.
Introduce your teddy, 'This is Libby Bear. She's seen lots of you teddies in church. But Libby doesn't know much about church/name of group and she'd like to ask you some questions.'
Ask your questions (there are suggestions below). Keep it to just two or three, and address the teddy (by name, if possible) rather than the child. Don't push the child to respond if s/he is reluctant.
Your teddy can ask further questions to clarify answers.
Have someone outside the circle taking notes of what is said.
Reflect - what have you learned? How might that feed in to what you (or yourt church/group) do? Who can help things to change?