A to Z nature walk
How far through the alphabet can you get on one walk?
Back to ideas
Explore · Wild and Tumble activity
Magpie counting rhyme
One for sorrow, two for joy! Count magpies on a walk and say the old rhyme.
*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.
A tiny plan for your day
Estimated time: 1 min to learn the rhyme · 8 min to spot · 1 min to head home. It's fine to stop early.
Before you start
What you’ll need
- Sharp eyes for black and white birds
Let's begin
Five simple steps
That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.
Learn the start of the rhyme: "One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy..."
Look for magpies: black and white with a long tail.
Count them when you see them.
Say the line that matches your number.
Some people say "Good morning, Mr Magpie" to a single one, so try it!
All done!
That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.
If you enjoyed this
More little ideas like this.
Barefoot feely path
Make a little path of trays and see how nature feels under your toes.