Building a Nest

Birds build their cosy nests up in trees to prepare for the arrival of their chicks. Did you know birds only spend a few days building their nests, but still build a design unique to their breed? Can you help your children build a nest that will keep a clutch of eggs safe? It’s time to challenge your children…

This activity can be done anywhere, whether that’s at home, in the garden or at the park. You can keep the nest simple or make it elaborate and detailed.

You will need:

  • A range of nest building materials
  • Small pebbles or pinecones, to represent the eggs
  • A storybook about birds (optional)
  • Books about birds (optional)

Method:

  1. To begin with, start helping your children collect materials that can be used to build the nest, including twigs, sticks, long grass, leaves and moss.
  2. Work with your children to help them create a small nest out of the materials you’ve collected. If they want an extra challenge, try using just one hand – birds can only use their beaks after all!
  3. Now head outside and find a low-fork in a tree where two branches meet to put the nest.
  4. When you’ve finished, look for a few small pebbles or pinecones to represent the eggs.
  5. Put them in your nest and see if it can hold them.
  6. With the ‘eggs’ still in the nest, encourage your children to give the branch a light shake to see if the nest stands up to the wind.

Remember to take pictures of your children’s nests and share them with your friends.

What Our Parents Say

I cannot recommend Playtime Nursery Shepperton enough as a nursery or preschool to send your little ones to. Our journey as a family has not been an easy one with finding out that our Son was profoundly deaf whilst he was just 6 months in attendance. To say the nursery have been supportive is an understatement as they have very much been on this journey with us. They have gone above a beyond to listen to expert advice and put into place everything they are able to support our son’s development. My son’s Key worker keeps us informed of his days with them, what they have been up to and truly cares about him. She has even gone as far as to attend British Sign Language courses in her own time. I truly feel that the environment that the manager and her team breed at Playtime Nursery Shepperton is one that is safe, fun, caring and inclusive.

L.T Mother of Child

Very talented and caring staff. My son really loved this nursery. He learnt a lot in all aspects from communication, relationship building, being independent, to learning maths, shapes, letters, word, sentences etc. Really pleased with the development. Thanks to all the lovely staff, you are all the best.

Vaibhav H (Father of Child)

My daughter has been in the nursery since the Baby Room. It has been an incredible journey. Now she is in the pre-school and every day she is excited to go to the nursery. She loves the staff, her key worker, the other kids, the setting (especially the garden). She really enjoys all the activities organised through the week/day. She enjoys and has fun while learning. The staff encourage and support multilingual families making the kids feel proud they can speak more than one language. Now the staff are also getting her ready to go to school this September. The staff have always been amazing, very approachable, flexible and caring.

B C (Father of Child)

The staff are so kind and caring, they all know my daughter even those in different rooms. She skips in to see them every day and they are as excited as me when she does new things. It's a home away from home.

H G (Mother of Child)

I can't thank the staff enough for giving me peace of mind when my child is with them. The number and variety of activities each day is amazing and the fact they manage to get in the garden or go on trips - even in winter is fantastic. My child's development is streets ahead of his peers who don't attend nursery.

S H (Mother of Child)

The nursery has a lovely nurturing and vibrant atmosphere which my son loves. There is plenty of space for him to explore and learn via the vast range of toys and equipment they have. I know he is well cared for. I am always well informed and I work together with the nursery staff to give my son the best possible experience.

Claire F (Mother of Child) 

The care, consideration and attention my son receives is exemplary. Staff pay attention to his strengths and weaknesses and verbalise them to us and ideas for developing them are implemented. All staff demonstrate an excellent attitude and have excellent relationships with their designated children.

A D (Father of Child)

The staff were warm, caring and professional and the facilities are great. We felt like our daughter was part of a big family. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all working there.

E S (Mother of Child)

I have been impressed by the level of care given to my son since he started. The daily warm welcome of the staff makes both children and parents alike feel at ease. Seeing the smile on my boy's face as we drive into the car park is proof enough for me that the team are doing something right.

Alexander M (Father of Child)

My little girl has recently started and is absolutely loving her time at nursery. The settling in sessions were brilliant and really helped put my mind at ease, especially with me starting back at work. The ladies in the Baby Room are super friendly and enthusiastic and I can't thank them enough for their support in what could have been quite an emotional rollercoaster.

G W (Mother of Child)

Once I drop my son off into the Baby Room, I feel he's as safe and as well looked after as I do at home.

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