This week in The Children’s House we are continuing on with our Autumnal themes and learning all about hibernation! We will be discussing which animals sleep through the winter in Ireland, why they do so (colder weather so it’s harder to find food), where they sleep, and the preparation they make for hibernation (increasing body fat, gathering food stores). In particular we will be looking at the mouse, squirrel, frog, ladybird, bat and hedgehog – the last 2 being the only Irish mammals that truly hibernate, meaning they drop their temperature and heart rate, their breathing slows & they go into a type of coma for a few months to conserve energy – sounds like something we might all like to do this winter!!

We will also be talking about the change in weather & the shortening of days/ lengthening of nigths, doing a hibernation craft, & drama at the end of the week: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!

Are You Sleeping Brother Bear
(Sung to: Frere Jacques)

Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother bear, brother bear?
Through the cold cold winter, through the cold cold winter,
Brother bear, brother bear.