EYFS. Playtime - Robin

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Information and guidance

Before using the content

This episode, suitable for winter, is about the robin.

• In group discussion, ask the children if they have ever seen this type of bird and how it can be recognised.
• Where have the children seen a robin?
• Robins are particularly associated with Christmas. Investigate with the children the various ways that the robin is depicted at Christmas: on cards, calendars, wrapping paper and decorations. Make a display of these.

Movement language

Today’s programme will include vocabulary associated with the ways in which a robin may move: hopping, jumping, flapping, pecking. The children will be made aware of a bird’s movements using their whole body.

Movement

The actions will be based on the various ways a robin moves around a garden or park. The children will be asked to move about in a limited space, jumping up and down in bird hops with feet together, tucking elbows into sides and flapping arms as wings, and making beak actions with hands to gobble up the worms.

Song: ‘The north wind doth blow’

The north wind doth blow (BLOW BLOW)
And we shall have snow (BBBRR, BBBRR)
And what will the robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

*The north wind doth blow *(BLOW BLOW)
And we shall have snow (BBBRR, BBBRR)
And what will the robin do then, poor thing?
He’ll sit on a twig and we’ll feed him some bread
And he’ll sing to say thank you my friends, poor thing.

In the first verse the children can join in with the blowing and shivering sounds and tuck their head under their ‘wing’. In the second they will hear the beautiful song of a real robin.

Story

A Christmas story in which a robin helps Father Christmas in return for a smart red waistcoat.

See the Teacher's Notes for more information and guidance on using the content.

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