Our Week in the Forest
What a week we've had in the forest!
We regularly sing our weather song, where we celebrate all kinds of weather - and it’s a good thing we do, because this week we’ve had everything from scorching heat to a thunderstorm treat! 🌡️⛈️⚡️☀️
On Monday and Tuesday, we took shelter from the heat under the cool canopy of our shady Bishop’s Tree! 🌳Down at the tree, we had face painting, books and threading activities - and of course, a mini mud kitchen (iced latte, anyone?). ☕️🍦🧊
Even on hot days, we always make time for physical play to keep our Little Forest Folk-ers active! On Monday, while it was still cooler in the morning and we were safely shaded, we set up a loose parts area. The children worked together like pros to build an obstacle course, using tyres and planks to create a Takeshi's Castle fit challenge! On Tuesday, we waited for the coolest part of the day and brought out the kite! It’s always a crowd favourite in the forest - and a great way to sneak in a little run around, too! 🪁
Wednesday served up the perfect weather - overcast skies, just right for a grand day out… or should we say a grand slam day! 🎾
Our theme? Tennis! We hit things off with a fun morning at base camp. In the mud kitchen, we whipped up some “athlete-ready juice” - or should we say deuce! Then it was all love in the bracelet-making area, where creativity was in full swing. 🥤
In the afternoon, we set off to the tennis courts - literally! The walk required sensible steps: each child holding a teacher’s hand, listening carefully (and not making a racket 🏓) so we could hear instructions.
Once we arrived, the fun instruction began. Dan ran the session like a total pro. We split into two groups: one practiced aim by tossing beanbags, while the other dove straight into their drills. There were 'rally' good efforts as little ones balanced beanbags on rackets, passed low balls and worked on their topspin - or at least their top balance! 👟
Finally, everyone had a go at hitting balls over the net. We saw some aces, a few double faults and plenty of smashing hits. 🎾
Everyone gave their best of three, while friends watched with bated breath. It felt a bit like Wimbledon - anyone for strawberries? 🍓🍓🍓
On Thursday, our theme of the day was all things maternity! We set up a doctor and midwife station, complete with all the usual tools - a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, key for tracking pre-eclampsia! We had toy needles ready for whooping cough vaccines, and of course, we were prepared for some blood tests - sorry teddy, it’s all in your best interest! 👨🍼🤰🏻🍼✍️👩🏻⚕️
We also had cribs for the newborns and nappies which the kids put on like total pros... even those still in nappies themselves! 🤨
Our learning intention this week has been to begin developing complex pretend play and creating imaginative small worlds using resources and our maternity centre was certainly imaginative - if not slightly experimental! Forget Portland - Little Forest Folk is the place to book your antenatal appointments! 💉🧸
All in all, it was a week to remember - serving up a mix of tumultuous weather and a whole lot of fun! From maternity role play to shady forest adventures, the children made the most of every moment. Now the ball’s in next week’s court and we can’t wait to see what it serves up! 🎾
Little Forest Folk
Fulham