When was the Teddy Bear invented?

We learned about the first teddy bear, created as a fun tribute to President "Teddy" Roosevelt in 1904.  This was  wonderful way to begin our study of the Victorian Era.  Mrs. Parnell shared one of her favorite stories, The Legend of the Teddy Bear and then began to read the American Girl story of Samantha, a little girl growing up in the early 1900's.

It is exciting to begin a chapter book.  We look forward to everyday and wonder what will happen next.  Already we learned about the first automobile, the Model T, how children dressed and were expected to behave.  Did you know that people did not have showers in their homes in 1903?

Mrs. Parnell's bears from home.  They have movable legs and arms and wear clothes, just like the first Teddy Bear!