Fairy Light Lie-down

What you need

• a string of plug-in fairy lights, already up high on a shelf or round a window
• cushions and a blanket

How to do it

1. Turn the big light off and the fairy lights on, then make a cosy spot with cushions a little way back from them.
2. Lie down together on the cushions and look up at the twinkling lights.
3. Point to the lights and whisper what you see: "twinkle", "light", "pretty".
4. Sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" slowly and softly, then turn the lights off together.

Why it matters

Lying still in soft light with you close by is a gentle way to slow down a busy December day.

What they're learning

Settling

Soft light, a quiet voice and you close by help their body slow down.

Looking and pointing

Pointing at a light you name links the word to the thing, and shows you what they have noticed.

Listening to a song

A slow, familiar song is one they can join with a sound or a hand wave.

What to look for

Watch for their breathing slowing and their hand reaching for yours as they look.

A tip

Keep the lights and their cable up high and out of reach, a cushion's distance away: they are for looking at, not touching. Plug-in lights, or a battery pack with a screw-shut cover, only.

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