Bat Cave Den
What you need
- a big blanket or an old sheet
- two chairs
- a cushion
- a torch
- a small blanket, for bat wings
How to do it
- Drape the big blanket over two chairs to make a cave, with one side left open, and put a cushion inside.
- Lay the small blanket loosely over their shoulders as bat wings, never tied, and flap into the cave together.
- Hand them the torch and let them choose when the light goes on and when it goes off.
- Shine it on the blanket roof, make little bat squeaks, and tell a short story about a bat looking for its cave.
- Fly out of the cave together whenever they are ready.
Why it matters
A cave they can see out of, with the torch in their own hand, lets them play with light and shadow at their own pace, and a quiet story in a small space is calming.
What they're learning
- Making choices
- Deciding when the light goes on and off puts them in charge of the whole cave.
- Pretend play
- Being a bat flying home to its cave is make-believe with a story they can follow.
- Listening
- A short story told close up in a quiet space holds their attention for longer.
What to look for
Watch for them choosing to switch the light off themselves. Keep one side of the cave open so they can always see out, and keep the wings loose on their shoulders, never round the neck.
A tip
Leave the room light on; under the blanket is dim enough for the torch to show up.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: leave the whole front of the cave open and play with the torch from just inside
Harder: make shadow bats with your hands and let them tell you where the bat flies next
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Quiet & calm activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a blanket