Robin Watch

What you need

• a window that looks out on a garden, a tree or a hedge
• a cushion to kneel on

How to do it

1. Kneel at the window together on the cushion and look out quietly.
2. Whisper, "Let's look for birds. Maybe a robin with a red tummy."
3. Point to any bird you see and say what it is doing: hopping, pecking, flying.
4. Look at the grass and the windowsill too, and point out any frost or raindrops sparkling in the light.
5. Wave bye bye to the birds when you finish.

Why it matters

Watching quietly for a bird is a calm way to practise looking and waiting, and a robin or a sparkle of frost is a little winter thing to share.

What they're learning

Looking and waiting

Watching for a bird asks them to be still and keep looking.

Pointing

Pointing at a bird shows you what they have spotted.

New words

Bird, hop, peck and fly are words they learn best from the real thing.

What to look for

Watch for them going quiet and still, then pointing when a bird lands.

A tip

If no birds come, look at the frost, the clouds or the trees instead. Robins visit gardens all winter, so try again another day.

More like this

After the Bath, Before the Story from 12 months · 10-15 min Under the Cushion from 18 months · 5 min Packing Paper Nest from 12 months · 30-45 min Which Book Tonight? from 12 months · 10-15 min