/** * https://gist.github.com/samthor/64b114e4a4f539915a95b91ffd340acc */ (function() { var check = document.createElement('script'); if (!('noModule' in check) && 'onbeforeload' in check) { var = false; document.addEventListener('beforeload', function(e) { if (e.target === check) { = true; } else if (!e.target.hasAttribute('nomodule') || !) { return; } e.preventDefault(); }, true); check.type = 'module'; check.src = '.'; document.head.appendChild(check); check.remove(); } }());

Building a den together

Building a den together to cosy up in is a fun way to engage your child in conversation.

All you need is some blankets and cushions from around your home.

Try encouraging your child to describe what they are doing whilst they are building their cosy corner. You can try some imaginary play or snuggle down with a book.

Watch the video below for for ideas on how to make the most of this activity with your little one.

What are the benefits of den building for kids?

  • Deg and building a den requires your child to use their imagination and creative thinking.
  • Chatting through the process of planning and building the den provides lots of opportunities to chat and ask questions.
  • Describing how they want their den to look helps children learn to convey their ideas through longer sentences.
  • During building, kids learn how to listen and give instructions and how to problem solve.
  • Children are able to build scenarios or stories around their dens, creating characters and plots to their pretend play.
  • Building activities gross and fine motor skills, whilst developing good hand-eye coordination.

Top tips for den building at home

Take your child's lead when creating your cosy corner. This is a space which they can personalise with beanbags, toys, and cushions.

You don't need much to build a den at home. Blankets, sheets, wooden pegs, boxes or ribbon can all be used to create dens easily.

The space could be a corner of their room, an empty cupboard or even just space under their bed. As long as it’s their space to do what they want.

Let them personalise their den and then tell you about it. Ask them questions about their den, what it looks like and what they want to do in it.

Whilst building the den together, why not offer them choices? You could say, "Do you want to use the fluffy blanket or the purple one">