Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins

Read this classic tale about Rosie the hen, and the very hungry fox who tries to eat her. Then enter Rosie's world, save her cousin -- and learn all about maps.

  • This PlayWorld stars

    Charlie and Marlo, along with mum Hannah as they save Rosie’s cousin from the hungry fox.

  • STEM learning

    Reading maps

  • Great for supporting

    Empathy and problem-solving

STEP 1: Read your book

Rosie's Walk is a great story to choose. It's full of drama as Rosie is unknowingly pursued by the fox.  Ask: Do you think Rosie was scared? How do you think the fox was feeling?

Can you use the book to build empathy and talk about feelings?

You can support your child to notice and name feelings. Doing this helps them to control their own emotions.

STEP 2: Plan your play

You are about to go on an imaginary adventure and it works best with little planning.

  • Plan how you will enter and exit your world -- it can be as simple as a sign that says 'Rosie's Farm'.
  • Choose a fun name for Rosie's 'cousin'.
  • Make a recording saying:

'Help me Rosie, I am lost and the fox is trying to eat me! Can you make me a map?'

Get your child involved in choosing which character they will play, and what your role will be.

Step 3: Go on your adventure

  • Hang the sign on your door and enter the farm.
  • Visit different places on the farm, meet all the different animals .
  • If you are Rosie, and your child is the fox, can you have a great game of chasey?

Play is such an important way that children develop their imagination and they love it when an adult is involved.

Step 4: Encounter a problem

When you are in the middle of your adventure, play your voice recording. How will you help?

What about using a map? Maybe you could make one? Add arrows. Use words like over, under, between - great words for helping children use map reading skills in their play.

The urgency of this message helps motivate a child’s willingness to help.

Step 5: Learn about maps

Exit your PlayWorld and get to work. Draw maps. Explain how they work. Find a safe route. Have fun!

When you are ready, go back into the PlayWorld with your map and help Rosie's cousin to safety.

What did we learn?

Play is how young children learn and develop. So in this PlayWorld, your child has not just learned about maps, but they've also used words to describe difficult emotions.