Wind, fog and frost…
This week started with a blustery day on the meadow with children embracing the wind! They created their own wind dances with different fabrics and used their superhero capes to show off their moves whilst experimenting with how to use the wind to enhance the look! The wind also brought its own sounds into the forest and the children listened carefully to the rustling of leaves or creaking of branches as they explored the meadow. Later on, they gathered different mud kitchen resources to make their own steel pan band as they banged the drums in the wind!
One frosty morning, the children spent a long time walking in as they were fascinated by the beautiful icy crystals that adorned every leaf and blade of grass on route. They studied leaves closely as they saw the sunlight refracting through. As the sun began to thaw the frost, the children ran to camp to explore different narratives through creative role-play games. On one camp we had a set of pirates who built their own ship using logs and planks. They then set about finding the best stick for their fishing rods. With some children being fish in the ocean, the pirates cast out their lines and started to reel in their catches. The other camp had a family of cats who had made home in their den. Prowling around in a feline manner they created meals for each other, made cosy beds and went out for their own mini adventure walks together!
The fog filled the air on Thursday and the atmosphere was still and quiet. The muffled sound effects enhanced the sounds that were close to us and we could hear our footsteps squelch in the mud, or a coat drag across a bramble. As we walked towards the forest the trees slowly appeared before our eyes reaching out through the mist. On the bushes and trees, we noticed wonderful spiderwebs everywhere. We talked to the children about the moisture in the air and how it clings to cold objects like grass blades, leaves and spider silk. The children looked at each individual thread of spider web and studied the miniscule droplets of water that were stuck to it in long rows. Some of the children compared the webs to different creatures or shapes seeing ocean animals or glistening diamonds!
Throughout this week with so much wonderful Autumnal weather to enjoy, the children have also been tackling some new physical challenges. We have set up some overhanging rope-ladders, tight rope walking and wobbly log balancing areas. The children love a new challenge and have been showing us how quick they can learn and work out how to overcome these physical obstacles!
We all hope that you have a wonderful weekend and we are super excited to see you all next week!
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath