Building dens is a fond childhood memory of mine.
On a rainy day it would comprise of draping a blanket over the open stairs in the house.
In the height the summer, we would create a more ambitious den built using items we found lying around on the building site (it was the 1970's and health and safety was a bit sketchy then!)
Today, there are a range of tents on the market from sophisticated teepees, tents with tunnels to simple pop up tents you can buy for under a tenner.
As convenient as these 'ready made' tents are, I think our children are missing out, not only of the fun element of creating their own den but on the educational benefits too.
Educational Benefits of Den Building
Den building provides an excellent opportunity to explore design and technology through building and construction, the opportunity to explore, experiment, make mistakes and problem solve in a safe environment, promotes physical development and co-operation, turn-taking, listening to others' ideas and communication skills through teamwork.
Den Building Ideas
Dens can be built using everyday items found around the home and garden.
Here are some examples:
Use items found in nature: straw, hay, dried grasses, twigs and sticks.
Work around existing features such as a play equipment, trees, a gazebo, or a washing line.
If indoors, drape a sheet or blanket over two chairs, a table or underneath open stairs.
Accesorise your Den
Add cushions, beanbags, books, activities, soft toys and a blanket
String fairy lights, add glow in the dark stickers, glitter lamps and light up toys.
Add items to encourage scientific investigation: a torch, mirror, magnifying glass
A snack and a drink.
Themed Dens
Theming your dens spark the creativity and imagination and present a wonderful opportunity for sensory play.
Here are some ideas:
Beach Themed Den
Place a layer of sand on the floor. Add natural items you may find on a beach: driftwood, seaweed, sponges, starfish, pebbles and seashells.
Provide sand toys bucket, spade, scoop, rake, sieve and a scoop.
The Beach - A Multisensory Exploration of the Seaside
Space Themed Den
String LED/fairylights/battery lights to create stars.
Create a rocky area using painted scrunched up newspaper, and smaller moon rocks from play-doh or scrunched up aluminium foil.
Provide an assortment of cardboard boxes, aluminium foil, space blankets, pipe cleaners, wellies (cover with foil to make moon boots), empty plastic bottles, old cd's, masking tape, tumble dryer venting hose, egg boxes for explorers to make their own rockets, moon buggys, and space suits.
Make a scientific exploration area. Add magnifying glasses, tweezers, magnets & magnetic items, Yo-Yo, fidget spinner, light up & spinning toys, torches, hand fans, glow sticks, light up spikey balls, mirrors, silly string, foam, stretchy worms and fidget cubes.
Journey into Space - A Multisensory Exploration of the Solar System
Story Themed Den - 'The Three Little Pigs'
The Straw House: Straw/Dried Grass/Hay/Shredded Wheat/Dried Vermicelli/Dried Noodles /Shredded PaperThe Stick House: Twigs/Sticks/Twiglets/Breadsticks/Cinnamon Sticks/Wooden Lollipop or Craft Sticks
The Brick House: Lego/Duplo/Stickle Bricks/Wooden Blocks
The Wolf: Place clingfilm over the head of a torch, draw teeth onto the clingfilm then cast a shadow! Alternatively the wolf could be represented by fake 'joke' teeth, furry material or a feather duster.
Add items to explore the action of blowing: Tissue paper, drinking straws, feathers, blowing bubbles, party blowers, harmonica, kazoo, battery operated/manual/paper/card fan, balloon or bicycle pump/bellows/foot pump.
The Three Little Pigs - A Multisensory Exploration
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Health & Safety Advice & Disclaimer
Please Read Before Engaging in any of the Activities
The author has used their best efforts in preparing the information on this website and makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness to the contents.
The information is for pleasure purposes only.
If you wish to apply any ideas and activities contained in this blog, on the website or in any of the multisensory stories or resources, you are wholly responsible and take full responsibility for your actions.
The activities are designed to be led and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
A Note on Allergies/Intolerances
If you have any doubts regarding any activity or prop used, then seek advice before starting.
Be aware of potential choking hazards.
Check the ingredients in any items you may be using for any potential food or skin allergies or respiratory reactions. If you see any signs of redness, swelling or other symptoms of a suspected reaction seek immediate medical advice.
The interactions should be led by the sensory explorer who should be allowed to participate without expectation.
Never force stimuli and stop the activity if the story explorer shows signs that they are not enjoying the session.
Your questions, queries, comments and feedback are always welcome!
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