What a week! We’ve had storms, sunshine.. then more storms!
When it’s been safe to, we’ve had our camp set up as usual - welcoming the downpours and finding rich teachings within the changes in our natural environment.
The mud kitchen became alive with opportunities when our entire nursery ‘floor’ became damp malleable mud. This change in consistency meant our entire nursery became perfect material for mud kitchens. Damp ground ready to be dug up, rain water collecting for our mud kitchen ramen broth, the wind knocking down even more twigs and leaves for our pizza toppings. We heard joyful screams as we tipped over the pooling water from our tarps, making waterfalls and humongous splashes! As we took the trail back to our meeting point we navigated a maze of puddles. Some playfully avoided them like the puddles were lava whilst some put some power in their run and leaped into them, seeing who could make the biggest splash!
On days where lightning and rumbling thunder was looming, we opted to stay in the marquee. These days are equally as special as they provide an opportunity to explore how and why we keep our bodies safe in all weathers. Although our Little Forest Folk-ers are outdoor adventurers at heart, they always enjoy a break in routine and some new environments - meaning our indoor days are much loved too. We brought the fun indoors and painted pinecone bunting, built towers with connectable mats, painted masterpieces on our easel, had countless face paint sessions and played coordination games with our colourful parachute sheet.
Our learning intentions this week have been centred around rhythm , beat and coordination of movement. We have introduced more songs which require step-following and focus. For example our new song “I am a tumbling stone” all about our innate connection to the earth. We paired the song with some simple actions.. it’s quickly becoming a core nursery tune. On camp we used loose parts to create our own drum kit with an old water barrel for drums and cymbals. We utilised mud kitchen equipment; pots, pans and colanders. We attached them by hanging rope from high branches, so they dangled like wind chimes. Using sticks and claves we hit the different objects, making note of the changes in sound. Dan led sing-song sessions with his guitar with a focus on beat and syllables clapping. We did a brilliant rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’ using our hands and stomping feet!
Little Forest Folk
Fulham