As our Little Forest Folk-ers have been settling into the forest here at Winkworth we’ve enjoyed exploring all our forest rules together. The little ones have been gaining confidence explaining how to keep themselves safe, doing the actions and even singing along to our new forest school song!
Since it was Random Acts of Kindness Day at the start of the week, we have been especially focusing on our kind and gentle rule. The children decided to be especially kind to our forest wildlife by making them a tasty treat! They worked together to roll up seeds in sticky lard and make some lovely heart shaped bird feeders. Then they ventured out to share the kindness with the staff at the national trust. Our little adventurers were so proud of their creations and the Winkworth gardeners were very pleased too, finding the bird feeders the perfect trees to hang in.
Our learning focus has been on experiencing and exploring natural materials and our little explorers have been doing that in their very own insectarium! Using leaves, fir branches and pine needles the children built nests for the insects, tucking the natural bedding into recycled cardboard rolls. They served up little portions of delicious insect treats using salad leaves, orange peel, pinecones and petals.
Then it was time to take to the skies as they collected fallen flowers and buzzed around our loose parts beehive. Our 2 year olds have been working on their effortful control, and collecting with our wheelbarrows has been a great opportunity to support our little ones with managing impulses and practicing turn taking.
Following the children’s interests and our prior learning, the Gruffalo made a return this week as we gathered round the fire to cook up some Gruffalo crumble! The children sliced up the apple carefully and watched with excitement as it grew soft and golden in the pot. When it was ready to serve, they crumbled their oatcakes on top for a delicious, warm treat! They were careful to share and make sure there was enough for everyone. What kind friends we have in the forest!
Little Forest Folk
Winkworth