EYFS
Hibernation in Early Years
In Early Years we learned that hibernation is when an animal sleeps for a long period of time during cold weather. Hibernation lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The length of time an animal hibernates depends on the species, the time of year, and the temperature.
When animals hibernate, they fall into a state of dormancy. This means their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate all drop. Their fur also thickens to keep them warm.
We learned Hedgehogs will hibernate in nests carefully constructed of dead leaves under brambles, log piles or garden sheds. A squirrel also finds a safe, warm nest for the winter to stay in. It can stay in its nest, a drey, for over a week in bad weather, and comes out in milder weather to collect food for its hiding space. 
We read the book ‘Don't Hog the Hedge’! It features a hedgehog and other wildlife creatures, including dormice, a toad, a bat and a bee. Hattie the Hedgehog wants everything to be perfect for her ‘’Big Sleep’. Can some unexpected visitors help Hattie to find just what she needs to have a happy hibernation?
We came up with some very interesting answers as to why humans don’t hibernate. Can you think why humans don’t hibernate?
An interesting fact: Technically, a bear does not hibernate. Bears fall into a deep sleep called a torpor.
We learned the song ‘Bears are Sleeping’ and acted out the lyrics.
Our favourite activities of the week were designing our own animals that hibernate. We demonstrated our organizational, cutting, pasting and painting skills.
By Mrs. Ward

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