What a week we’ve had in our enchanting little forest! The changing weather has kept us on our toes and offered endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and creativity. From sunny skies to rainy afternoons and frosty mornings, our little ones embraced it all with boundless energy and curiosity.
Weather Wonders
The children marvelled at the variety of weather this week, each day bringing a new experience. The bright sunshine invited us to run freely across the meadow, arms wide open, soaking in the warmth and light. Rain showers turned our favourite spots into a haven of muddy puddles, perfect for splashing, stomping, and discovering the joys of water play. The frosty mornings brought a different kind of magic, with delicate ice crystals forming on leaves and logs. Our young explorers delighted in scraping the ice off logs, watching it melt in their hands, and observing how the forest transformed under the shimmering frost.
Sounds of the Forest
This week, we tuned into the symphony of sounds that surround us in the forest. From the rustling of leaves underfoot to the gentle whisper of the wind through the trees, the children practiced mindful listening and discovered how vibrant the forest can be. We challenged ourselves with a fun "Sound Treasure Hunt," searching for objects that begin with different sounds. "A" led us to apples and acorns, while "O" guided us to oak leaves.
Learning About Conifers
Our focus this week was on the life cycle of conifers. We gathered around for a storytelling session where we listened to "The Little Tree Story." This enchanting tale took us on a journey from seed to towering evergreen, teaching us how conifer trees grow and thrive in the forest. The children were fascinated by the idea that some of the very pinecones they held in their hands could one day become tall trees providing shelter and food for forest creatures.
Adventure Walk Discoveries
Our adventure walk this week was a sensory delight. We collected pine needles, pinecones, and other natural treasures, observing their different shapes, textures, and smells. The children were particularly intrigued by the varying sizes and patterns of the pinecones, sparking discussions about which animals might use them for food or shelter. Back at our base camp, these forest finds became the inspiration for our art projects.
Creative Arts: Drawing Christmas Trees
With Christmas just around the corner, we turned our attention to festive crafts. Using the pine needles and cones we collected, the children created beautiful drawings of Christmas trees. Some opted for traditional green, while others let their imaginations run wild with colourful, abstract designs. The process of drawing and decorating their trees was not only fun but also a wonderful way to develop fine motor skills and express their creativity.
Games and Free Play
Of course, no week in the forest would be complete without plenty of time for free play and games. One of the highlights was playing "What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?" . The children took turns being the "wolf," practicing their counting skills and enjoying the thrill of running and freezing in place. This classic game brought laughter and excitement to our mornings and helped the children build confidence in their movement and coordination.
Free play remains an essential part of our days, offering the children the chance to explore, create, and let their imaginations soar. Whether cooking in the mud kitchen, pretending to be mummy's and dad's , or enjoying train rides.
Reflections
As we reflect on this week, we are reminded of the resilience, creativity, and joy that our children bring to every activity. Their ability to adapt to changing weather, find wonder in the smallest details, and collaborate with one another is truly inspiring.
We look forward to seeing you next week for more fun, learning, and exploration in our little forest!
Warm wishes,
The Little Forest Folk Team
Little Forest Folk
Chiswick