Hedgehog Winter Box

What you need

• a shoebox or a small cardboard box
• scrunched-up newspaper or dry leaves
• two or three soft toys, like a hedgehog, a bear or a mouse
• a small blanket or a scarf

How to do it

1. Talk about how some animals, like hedgehogs, sleep through the coldest part of winter, curled up in a pile of leaves.
2. Let your child fill the box with scrunched paper or leaves, making it thick and soft for the toys.
3. Tuck each toy in, and let your child tell you what it will dream about over winter and who it will see when it comes out in spring.
4. Put the lid on gently, speak in whispers so nobody is disturbed, and peek in later to check the sleepers are still snug.

Why it matters

Making a warm home for a sleeping animal is gentle, careful play, and the story of its winter can go anywhere your child takes it.

What they're learning

Story with toys

Telling what the hedgehog does and dreams.

Seasons

Why some animals hide away in winter.

Gentle hands

Tucking in without squashing.

What to look for

Notice them dropping their voice to a whisper near the box.

A tip

This box is for toys only. A real wild animal found sleeping outside is best left where it is.

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