The children have been troopers with the wind and rain this week! It most definitely didn’t stop them, if anything it brought more joy through the activities involving puddles!

This week we have celebrated the first signs of Spring. Our Little Forest Folk-ers noticed daffodils have started to grow on our meadows, providing a hands-on tool work activity for the children to build a fence to help protect them from humans and animals. For some, it was their first time using a hammer which meant a new piece of protective equipment was worn … goggles! The children are now experts in naming the three main components of a hammer. First, they gathered and selected our sticks for the fence. Then, they dug a narrow hole for the stick to be placed into. Finally, they hammered the stick into the hole. A circle of vertical sticks was formed round the daffodils before the children gathered fallen willow branches to weave in and out creating a natural barrier for animals and visual reminder for humans.

As well as spring, we welcomed Lunar New Year at Wimbledon. We celebrated by creating immersive mud kitchens using menus, chopsticks and food to open a restaurant. Lucy and Olivia organised a cooking activity for the children. A kelly kettle was filled up with water to boil over the fire, before pouring it into a saucepan to cook rice noodles. Our little explorers discussed with Olivia what to do with fire and how we keep safe. As the fire died, the children helped separate the embers to kill it completely before storing the charcoal to see what it felt like. After the recommended time, the rice noodles were cooked! Our Little Forest Folk-ers independently served themselves using gloves and a fork before listening to stories about Lunar New Year, how people celebrate it and listening to their friends’ stories and traditions.

Here at Little Forest Folk Wimbledon we wish happiness, luck and good will for the forthcoming year!

Little Forest Folk
Wimbledon