This week, winter truly made its presence known! We were hit with icy cold days, and the temperature has really dipped. Some of our Little Forest Folk-ers were so bundled up in their warm layers that they looked like adorable marshmallows! Despite the chill, their adventurous spirits kept them warm as we explored, created, and played in our beloved forest. Here’s a look at what we got up to:
Morning Creativity 🌄
We began our mornings by choosing our favourite leaves from the forest, including chestnut and maple leaves. The children carefully traced their outlines and coloured them beautifully. Everyone showed such focus and creativity—well done to all our budding artists!
Songs and Snacks Under the Tarp 🎶🍎
Our snack time turned into a cozy singalong under the tarp. We enjoyed warm milk and oat milk while singing cheerful songs, sharing stories, and soaking in the fresh air.
"Sleeping Bear" Game 🐻
One highlight was playing the "Sleeping Bear" game, inspired by a Scandinavian song. The children learned about hibernating animals and enthusiastically ran from the 'awakened bear,' laughing and giggling. They added their own twist by incorporating musical instruments into the game, which brought even more energy and joy.
Musical Exploration and Dancing 🕺🏾
In the afternoon, the children extended their play with musical instruments, dancing, jumping, and hopping to their own rhythms. Their creativity shone as they combined movement and music, filling the forest with their lively tunes.
Adventures in the Mud Kitchen 🫕
Our mud kitchen was a hive of activity as the children cooked up imaginative meals, including “pasta with tomato and cheese,” which they eagerly shared with everyone. Such wonderful teamwork and pretend play!
Playground Adventures and Storytelling 📚
Some of our friends ventured to the playground on an adventure walk. They played pirates, collected leaves, and explored new areas of the forest. Others stayed back to create mismatched characters like elves, gnomes, yetis, and witches. These unique creations inspired us to write funny and imaginative stories together.
Exploring Ice and Snow ❄️
The cold weather brought magical moments! We discovered thin sheets of ice in the puddles, and the children were fascinated by their reflective surfaces and delicate texture. They experimented by smashing the ice into tiny pieces and shared their observations with friends. We were even treated to a brief snowfall, which added to the excitement of the day.
Fixing the Gruffalo's House 🏡
Our little builders showcased their problem-solving skills by repairing the Gruffalo's house. They hammered, moved logs, and rebuilt the roof and chimney. It was a fantastic example of teamwork and perseverance!
A Sunny but Cold Morning 🥶
Despite the chilly weather, the sunshine kept us energized as we enjoyed swinging, reading books, and exploring puddles. Some children found enormous puddles to jump in, turning the forest into a splashy wonderland!
We’re so proud of the children for their enthusiasm and resilience in embracing all aspects of the forest, from snowflakes to sunshine. Thank you for sharing these wonderful moments with us, and we can’t wait to see what next week will bring!
Little Forest Folk
Chiswick