The Very Cranky Bear: Face Masks is a fun and flexible resource designed to accompany a whole class reading of the picture book The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. It includes a variety of images from the text that can be used as masks to support an engaging oral retell of the story.

These printable masks encourage students to take on the role of different characters from the story, building comprehension, oral language skills, and confidence in storytelling. They are ideal for bringing the text to life through drama, small group performances, or whole-class retells.

The resource includes seven images representing characters that appear in the story, provided in both colour and black and white versions. We recommend printing the masks on thick card for durability, ensuring they can be used again and again throughout your literacy program.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Build comprehension through oral retelling
• ✅ Develop confidence in speaking and listening
• ✅ Promote active engagement with a familiar text
• ✅ Support oral language development through role play
• ✅ Encourage collaboration and performance skills

What’s Included:

• 7 printable character masks from The Very Cranky Bear story
• Masks provided in both colour and black and white versions

Materials Needed:

• Printed The Very Cranky Bear: Face Masks
• Thick card for durability
• Craft sticks or elastic (if desired) to attach masks for ease of use
• Glue or tape (for assembling masks if needed)

How to Use:

1. Read The Very Cranky Bear with your class.
2. Print and prepare the face masks (laminate or print on card for extra durability).
3. Introduce the masks to your students and assign characters for an oral retell of the story.
4. Students use the masks to take on the role of their chosen character and participate in a performance or group retell.
5. Encourage discussion and reflection on how each character contributed to the story.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during a whole-class oral retell of The Very Cranky Bear.
• 💡 Include in a literacy rotation or drama lesson to support comprehension and oral language skills.
• 💡 Pair with sequencing or summarising tasks to deepen understanding of the text.
• 💡 Use for small group performances to encourage collaboration and creativity.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print the masks on thick card or laminate them for durability and repeated use.
• 💛 Encourage students to use expression and voice to bring their characters to life during retells.
• 💛 Use the black and white versions for a fun colouring-in activity before performing.
• 💛 Display the masks in your classroom when not in use as part of your The Very Cranky Bear display.

Check out more amazing resources related to The Very Cranky Bear in our The Very Cranky Bear PACKAGE.