After a beautifully long weekend filled with chocolate, egg hunts and springtime adventures our forest was once again alive with laughter and chatter as the Little Forest Folk-ers reunited. It was such a joy to welcome everyone back especially our sessional children after their two-week break. We loved hearing all about their holidays, from family visits and train rides to chocolate bunnies. Every story was shared with beaming faces and excitement.
As they eased into the week our focus was on emotional awareness giving the children space to express themselves and feel heard. On Tuesday, we explored the zones of regulation, a tool we use every day to support emotional literacy. This time, we brought the concept to life in a bigger way, transforming the camp into a multi-zoned sensory space: The yellow zone for silly and excited energy. The red zone for expressing frustration and anger, filled with books like I am Hungry or I am Angry. The blue zone for sadness and quiet, cozy blankets, storybooks and calm conversation encouraged reflection. And finally, the green zone for calm and content feelings, a peaceful corner for breathing exercises, cuddly toys and nature sounds.
The children navigated these spaces with empathy, curiosity and confidence. Discussing how they felt and why, helping one another identify emotions and comfort their friends. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their emotional vocabulary and their kindness towards one another grow.
Mid-week we shifted into creative reflection as the Little Forest Folk-ers thought back to their time off and put it all on paper. From drawings of swimming pools and grandparents houses, to eggs, their imaginations and memories poured out in colour. Many of them proudly signed their work or labelled it with their names.
By Thursday, the forest had transformed into a celebration of the Little Forest Folk-ers lives outside of the nursery. They recreated their favourite spaces and activities, pump tracks for racing toy cars, a swimming pool complete with splashy play and a dance studio where our young performers put on dazzling shows for their friends. These imaginative setups led to wonderful conversations about families, pets, favourite games, and weekend adventures which was a meaningful way to build stronger connections between them.
Despite the shorter week, it’s been a full one, brimming with laughter, learning and empathy. We’ve loved seeing our Little Forest Folk-ers dive back into their friendships, support one another and bring pieces of their home lives into the forest.
We hope you have a restful and happy weekend, and we’ll see you all back in the forest for more adventures next week!
A friendly reminder that our informal parents evening picnic is next Friday 2nd of May from 3:30pm-4:30pm on the cricket pitch. It would be lovely to see you all there. Our stay and plays will begin the week of Monday the 12th of May.
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath