Ice crystal laden leaves have fascinated everyone as overnight frosts have turned the common and our surroundings into a magical dusty white scenery. Textures and details are well observed, using touch, sight and sound; where we are usually surrounded underfoot by non-descript mashed and muddy leaves, their natural beauty is entirely enriched as the frost reveals the midrib, venules, veins and petiole for us to investigate. Clear skies and a piercing sun transform the areas out of the tree shadow, and we are able to help with all the how, when and why questions from all the inquisitive children about melting ice. Here, talk is rich in early science, the months, the seasons, the weather and everything in between.
Over on the bowling field, in anticipation of freezing temperatures, educators leave out as many receptacles as possible filled with water so that we have heaps of ice to play with after the weekend. Heaps of ice make for very happy children as this resource fits so well into the type of self-discovering creative play that we love here. Smashing ice simply is a smashing feeling at this age, giving the children a sense of their great strength and abilities to make something so solid transform into hundreds of pieces. As testament to the children’s quite awesome imaginations, we observed that ice was used as building blocks with towers being created on planks, some was used as magical crystals in fairy potions, larger parts were even used as steering wheels to drive the Christmas sleigh, and some parts were also used as superhero shields.
On adventure walks this week we have found some spectacular frozen puddles, perfect for stomping on. As we approach these icy areas, it’s the perfect moment to support children in ways of considering whether their actions are safe or not. As examples, the puddles below could be deeper than we expect, or a fast approach may cause us to slip. We love giving the children the tools they need to assess their surroundings and with their great listening skills we love seeing them work on these skills as we traverse the forest.
Colder weather, naturally, can mean we all feel a bit colder sometimes. But with children, dressed and layered as well as they are, and their growing ability to identify the ways they need to regulate their temperature alongside vigilant support from educators, means everyone continues to have a great time all day long. Particular fun has also been had, dancing amongst the bubble machine bubbles with the disco speaker sounding out plentiful requests from the children. “Frozen” songs naturally fit the bill, alongside timeless dance classics of “Unicorns are real” and “Stick, stick, stick, stick, sticky, sticky, stick stick!” that really get those limbs moving!
Here’s hoping the incoming weekend is equally fun, but that you do find all important time to rest too. See you all next week!
Little Forest Folk
Wandsworth