What an exciting week we’ve had in the forest! It is amazing to see how our children adapt to change and new situations. Going back to one group came naturally to them. Having the whole site to explore and play, became an extension of what they already knew. Our little adventurers are incredibly familiar with our boundaries and routines, so the forest school rules at circle time in the morning, are loud and joyful once again!
Having a much spacious area for playing again, other areas to explore and climb and areas to relax and read if they wish to have some quiet time, are proving to be the perfect layout for our children to meet their needs and focus on their preferences and interests throughout the day.
The mud kitchen continues to be the most popular, only now on a bigger scale. The children have been negotiating resources, working collaboratively in finding solutions and solving problems. For example, a couple of children gathered their strength and helped hold the water jerry can, while others took turns in filling their bowls and pans with water to make delicious cakes and magic potions!
The area with the swing is also a hit! The children sat in the safety circle around the swing and read stories or sang songs whist waiting for their turn. Others went to the ‘nest’ and climbed the yew tree with great skill and confidence! The slack line was the perfect activity for the children to test their balance, co-ordination and resilience. We could hear the educators and the children crying, “You can do it! Hold on! Keep going” when the rope wibbled wobbled as they were trying to walk across it! Even the gardeners stopped to cheer for our little adventurers!
It has been such a delight to hear the children’s laughter and seeing beautiful friendships starting to appear. For the past 14 months, our Little Forest Folk-ers have shown incredible ability to adapt to a new situation and constant change and always with cheeky smiles on their faces. They have brought to our educators the most rewarding feelings and experiences, with a sense of belonging, of friendship and resilience. We are so thankful for being able to share these experiences with our children and their families every day! How wonderful it is to be back to ‘normal’ again!
Have a glorious long weekend everyone!
Little Forest Folk
Fulham