What a marvellous week we have had, and although it feels more like chilly autumn weather than the gentle warmth at the end of summer, our Little Forest Folk-ers have revelled in their outdoor play. Our new children have delighted in playing with the established older adventurers and our ‘OGs’ have been so kind and welcoming to our new explorers.
We have all been working on building up our muscles this week, our larger muscles as well as our fine muscles in our hands. The wonderful colours of autumn made an early appearance through the paint palette this week too as children printed with shapes and sponges creating fun pictures in warm colours. Carefully grasping the printing blocks and sponges with fingers and thumbs and dipping them into paint, they then moved their bodies to transfer the paint shape onto the sheets of paper. Pens and chalk marking was high on the list of desirable writing implements. Faces were drawn, shopping lists were created, and rainbows on chalk boards were bright and multicoloured. Green squishy playdough was made by the staff and children as flour, oil, water and paint were combined until the soft squishy consistency was attained.
The mud kitchen was a hive of industry as cakes and pies were created, spaghetti sauces were concocted as leaves, stones, and mud were carefully proportioned out to create the perfect dinners. Pots and pans bubbled away on our imaginary fire and the cooks were vigilant in their stirring. Don't let it burn, they advised each other.
To build up the larger muscles in our legs, arms and torsos, ladders were added to the obstacle course as children clambered, balanced and took their time and crossed bridges spanning boxes and mastered the inclines on the course. Our pallet mountain is always a popular climbing space as the children master the altitude and heady views once they reach the top. It is the tallest mountain in the world and snow leopards are regularly spotted!
It has been a wonderful week, thank you all for coming and we'll see you all next time.
Little Forest Folk
Twickenham