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St Mary's Primary School Banbridge

Hug a Bear Day in P2 Mrs Quigley's Class

19th Nov 2025

We welcomed lots of furry friends into our classrooms for a day full of bear hugs, big smiles, and Beary special fun!

Children were encouraged to bring their favourite teddy bear or stuffed animal to school. The event promoted emotional well-being and reminded every one of the importance of caring.

Hug a Bear Day helped create a warm, inclusive environment where students felt safe and valued. It was a simple yet powerful way to encourage empathy and joy in the classroom.

Teddy bears play an important role in a child’s life for both emotional and developmental reasons. They frequently serve as comfort objects during transitions, providing security when parents or caregivers are not present. This sense of familiarity helps children feel reassured during stressful moments. Beyond comfort, teddy bears support emotional development by giving children a safe way to express feelings they might struggle to articulate. Holding or hugging a teddy bear can also help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety.

In addition, teddy bears encourage imaginative play, allowing children to engage in storytelling and role-playing that foster creativity and cognitive growth. Through pretend play, they learn social roles and develop empathy by caring for their bear as if it were real. This nurturing behaviour builds attachment and teaches responsibility, reinforcing the importance of empathy in relationships. Over time, teddy bears often become cherished keepsakes, tied to meaningful childhood memories and milestones, making them not just toys but symbols of security, love, and growth.