This Goldilocks and the Three Bears activity is an easy way to help your kids enjoy a hands-on activity for story time and more.
With just a few supplies, this felt activity tray is just right. It’s a fantastic fairy tale activity that blends creativity with skill building. Your kids can retell and act out each part of the story plus you can use it for sorting and sequencing.
And the best part? It’s super easy to set up and even easier to store. I’m sharing my tips and ideas for using this felt activity tray for quiet time fun that works for you.
Hands-On Activity for Fairy Tale Fun
Goldilocks and the Three Bears has always been one of my favorite stories. I’ve read it more times than I can count. And I never got tired of it, especially when sharing it with my boys using their well-worn board book The Three Bears by Byron Barton.
It’s one of those timeless tales that’s fun to retell and brings out so many giggles and dramatic voices. That’s actually one of the big reasons why I included it in my Preschool Enchantment unit study.
When my boys were little, I was always on the lookout for ways to bring the stories we read to life. This Goldilocks and the Three Bears felt activity tray is one of those sweet, simple ideas that became a big hit in our homeschool preschool.
It’s cute, budget-friendly, and super easy to customize based on what you already have at home. Oh, and you can totally turn this into a grab-and-go activity, too! If you’re headed to a doctor’s appointment, waiting on a sibling’s practice, or just need a screen-free quiet time option, you can pop the pieces into a bag and take it with you like a little storytelling busy bag.
What You’ll Need for This Fairy Tale Activity
Set up a storytelling and sorting tray inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears using felt cutouts and hands-on materials for play and learning. I recommend having these supplies ready. As always, tweak and use what you have at home or in your classroom:
- Brown felt bear cutouts in three sizes: Papa Bear (large), Mama Bear (medium), and Baby Bear (small)
- Felt bowl cutouts in matching sizes
- Felt bed cutouts in matching sizes
- Small felt blanket and pillow cutouts
- Yellow yarn for porridge and Goldilocks’ hair
Creative Ideas for Using Your Goldilocks and The Three Bears Activity Tray
There is no right or wrong way to make your activity tray. And if you don’t have a tray, no worries! You can use a plate, paper plate, or bowls.
- Set the Scene: Arrange the felt cutouts and other supplies in a tray.
- Match the Items: Encourage your children to match each bear to the correctly sized bowl, bed, pillow, and blanket.
- Add Details: Use yellow yarn as “porridge” to place in the bowls. Add a bit of yarn to Baby Bear’s bed to represent Goldilocks’ hair. You can also use googly eyes, pom poms, buttons, and wood beads.
- Add labels or icons: Use a permanent marker or small printed labels to write Papa, Mama, and Baby on the bear items. Great for early readers and matching practice!
- Tell the Story: Invite children to retell the fairy tale as they play. They can place the bears in their beds, serve porridge, and act out scenes from the tale using the felt pieces.
- Extend the Play: Ask questions like “Whose bed is just right?” or “What happened when Goldilocks found the porridge?” to encourage description and storytelling. You can also use pieces from our Goldilocks and the Three Bears unit study. Pair the activity with a simple felt bear craft that your kids will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Fairy Tale Activity
This tray is perfect for preschoolers, but it can be easily enjoyed by toddlers with supervision and even early elementary kids who love storytelling and crafting.
Nope! Felt is great because it sticks together and is soft. But, you can totally use paper, foam sheets, or even cardboard for a similar effect.
Yes! The pieces are reusable and easy to store in a baggie or small container. It works well as a storytelling center or busy bag for on-the-go fun.
No worries! You can use yellow pipe cleaners, strips of paper, or even cotton balls dyed with a bit of food coloring as porridge or Goldilocks’ hair.
Goldilocks and The Three Bears Activity You’ll Love
This Goldilocks and the Three Bears Felt Activity Tray is such a fun and flexible way to bring a classic fairy tale to life. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on storytelling tool, a quiet time activity, or a simple way to boost early learning skills, this tray works. It’s easy to prep, fun to use, and packed with playful learning potential.
If your kids loved this activity tray, I encourage you to take a peek at my Preschool Enchantment: Goldilocks and the Three Bears Unit Study! It’s filled with more fun-focused ideas, printables, and learning adventures that make the story even more magical.
👉 Explore the unit study and make your preschool days extra enchanting!
I’d love to hear how this Goldilocks and the Three Bears activity tray goes for your kids and you. Oh, and please share with any friends who would enjoy this type of activity, too! Wishing you sweet storytime moments and creative fun with your little learners!
