Another cold blast of weather this week prompted lots of walks, dancing and running games to keep warm as we branched out into the wider area of the common and explored the environment a little further than last week.
We went hunting for sticks to make mobiles and wind chimes and we combined scavenged acorns with slices of dried orange, cinnamon sticks and some leafy foliage (donated to us by our neighbours Two Teaspoons) to create festive winter decorations. To craft these wreaths and hanging works of art, children had to apply their focus and their fine motor skills, pushing needle and string through different surfaces, feeling the pressure of the resistance change according to the object, and wrapping ribbon round and round to bind natural objects to each other. They also used their sense of smell while they crafted, sniffing at the cinnamon and orange and comparing it to their morning cookies at snack time!
As we ventured out on many walks this week, the Little Forest Folk-ers became bolder, braver and had their listening ears tuned to the sound of head counts! They helped teachers to count out the children as we walked together, while reminding each other of our special rules for adventure walks, such as the "sandwich rule" - always a teacher at the front and back (the slices of bread) and all the children in between (the fillings!). We have seen the confidence and listening skills of all our children flourish this week, especially our youngest and newest members, and it was a pleasure to reward their efforts with a long trek to the bridle path to see the horses, or "neigh-neighs" pass by.
We can't wait to wrap up (in layers), to wrap up (finish) the term in style next week and make the most of our final week in the forest before 2025!
Little Forest Folk
Wimbledon Village