This week marked the exciting start of our new theme - Life Cycles! Our Little Forest Folk-ers have been bursting with curiosity as they explore how animals, plants and even people grow and change over time.
We kicked things off with the magical transformation of butterflies! The children learned all about the stages of life - from caterpillars to chrysalis to beautiful butterflies. Using textured materials like pipe cleaners, fabrics and lolly sticks, they crafted their own fluttery friends. Each creation was wonderfully unique and sparked so much excitement.
Midweek brought thoughtful conversations as the children cared for baby dolls and reflected on growing up. Many of our little learners shared their own stories of getting bigger, preparing for primary school, and imagining life as grown-ups. It was a sweet and meaningful way to connect life cycles to their own experiences.
Inspired by tadpoles the children whipped up a delicious plant-based chia seed pudding - an ooey-gooey treat that mirrored the look of wiggly little swimmers! The forest was soon full of “frogs,” with little ones leaping between lily pads and giggling through frog-themed games. This theme was such a hit we carried it on throughout the week!
The life cycle learning continued in our garden session, where the children planted sunflower seeds. They chatted about what plants need to grow - sunlight, water, and a little love - and imagined the bright yellow flowers blooming in the future. It was a lovely hands-on way to link growth and care to the natural world around us.
To round out the week, the children explored the life cycle of chicks through sensory play. With dry grass, tiny nests, fluffy chicks and eggshells, they built mini habitats and enjoyed imaginative storytelling.
This week was bursting with creativity, science, and wonder. We can’t wait to continue exploring the many cycles of life next week!
We’d also like to take a moment to say goodbye to our sessional friends as it’s the end of term. What a great year we have had and we look forward to their return in September. To our sessionals who have graduated, good luck in primary school!
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath