Owl Babies by Martin Waddell is an EYFS classroom staple — a gentle story about three owlets, Sarah, Percy and Bill, waiting for their mother to return. It is perfect for talking about feelings, families and the natural world. Here are some activities to go alongside it (we will reference the story rather than reproduce it).
Talk about it first
The heart of the book is the owlets’ worry and their joy when their mother comes back. Good discussion prompts include: How do you think the owl babies felt while they waited? What do you do when you miss someone? Why do owls come out at night? This builds vocabulary around emotions as well as animals.
Role-play and retelling
Set up a cosy "owl nest" in the role-play area and let children retell the story in their own words. A simple owl hand puppet makes retelling irresistible and supports speaking, listening and sequencing — all without a worksheet in sight.
Craft and fine motor
- Make owlets as simple hand puppets or split-pin cut-outs.
- Try owl colouring for a calm, focused activity.
Early writing
Once children know the story, a simple writing frame gives a friendly structure for owl vocabulary and a first piece of writing. For older children, an owl crossword or word puzzle reinforces spelling and facts.
From the page to the real thing
After a week with Sarah, Percy and Bill, imagine the children meeting a real, living owl. A free Night Owls visit does exactly that — calm, captivating and pitched perfectly for early years. Book a free visit for your school.