Reception had a fantastic time with their Zoo to You visit and learned a lot about hedgehogs! Here’s a summary of their learning and some fun hedgehog facts:
Hedgehog Facts:
- Spiky Protection: Hedgehogs have sharp quills on their backs that help protect them from predators. When they feel threatened, they curl up into a tight ball, using their spines to keep safe.
- Nocturnal Creatures: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they are active at night and sleep during the day.
- Diet: Hedgehogs eat insects, worms, snails, and slugs. They are known for their love of bugs!
- Hibernation: During winter, hedgehogs hibernate. They sleep for months, staying cozy in their nests to stay warm.
- Small Size: Hedgehogs are small animals, usually about the size of a grapefruit or smaller.
- Sensory Skills: Hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food and navigate their surroundings.
Summary of Learning:
- Animal Observation: The children had the chance to meet and observe a real hedgehog, which helped them learn more about its appearance, such as the quills on its back and its small, pointed nose.
- Understanding Habitats: They learned where hedgehogs live, like gardens, hedgerows, and woodlands, and how they create cozy nests to sleep in.
- Diet and Behavior: The children discovered what hedgehogs eat (insects and slugs) and how they use their senses, especially smell, to find food at night.
