Climb in with your child and enjoy the fun.

Why do it?

  • This activity gives baby a chance to practise their motor skills, such as crawling, standing and cruising.
  • It helps them learn about hiding and being found.
  • They’re also practising their communication and having fun with whānau.
  • A chance for baby to explore

How to do it

You’ll need:

  • a large cardboard box big enough for baby to crawl into, OR a table/chairs
  • a big sheet or blanket 

Make your hut: 

  • Hang the blanket or sheet over the structure and secure with string or pegs to make the hut.

Extras:

  • Show baby the ‘hut’ and crawl in yourself to encourage them to come in too.
  • Try a game of peekaboo in the hut.
  • Read a story to baby in their hut.

Using more te reo Māori

Whare House
Whare pūrokuroku Temporary shelter, hui
Hangaia To build
Tepū Table
Paraikete Blanket
Hīti Sheet
Pouaka nui Large box
Piringa Shelter, hiding place
Uhi Covering
Ngōkingōki To crawl
Huna(ia) Hide
Kei roto Inside
Kei waho Outside
Me hangaia he whare mā tāua Let's build us a house
He aha kei roto i te pūrokuroku nei? What's inside this little hut?
Tirohia tēnei whare ātaahua! Look at this beautiful house!
Haramai ki roto Come inside 
Me pānui pukapuka tāua? Shall we read?
Kei te hiamoe koe? Are you tired?