Our week in the forest
This week at Little Forest Folk Putney Heath has been full of curiosity, creativity and meaningful everyday moments that continue to support your children’s learning in natural and engaging ways.
We began the week with a fantastic sense of energy on Monday. The children arrived eager to share their weekend news, helping to build connection and confidence right from the start. Our focus on minibeasts sparked immediate interest. A simple change - replacing paintbrushes with natural materials - encouraged the children to think differently and explore more freely. They experimented with colours, textures and even began mixing paints to discover new shades. A surprise visit from a tiny minibeast led to thoughtful discussion, showing how powerful those “in-the-moment” learning opportunities can be.
The pulley system also became a space for teamwork and problem-solving. Children worked together to move natural materials, using encouraging language like “push” and “pull” as they figured things out. Meanwhile, the bug hotel project allowed for imaginative collaboration, with children building structures and creating stories around the creatures living inside. Back at the clubhouse excitement grew as we introduced our new Forest Mascot, “Loo Loo,” with children beginning to design and create her outfit - building a shared sense of ownership and community.
On Tuesday, despite the windy weather, the children remained enthusiastic and ready for another active day. Their interest in minibeasts continued through junk modelling, where they used cardboard, tape, and recycled materials to create their own creatures. From spiders to butterflies and snakes the process encouraged creativity, independence and safe use of tools like scissors.
Water play added another layer of exploration, with children pouring, scooping, and filling containers with coloured water. These simple activities support coordination and early problem-solving skills. Digging in the mud was, as always, a highlight - giving children the chance to search for real minibeasts and explore the natural world firsthand.
Midweek brought our adventure walks on Wednesday and Thursday. These outings offered our little adventurers the chance to explore beyond their usual environment, encouraging observation, independence and teamwork. Alongside this, making playdough from scratch became a favourite activity. Measuring, mixing, and creating something from simple ingredients gave the children a strong sense of achievement, and they enjoyed shaping their own minibeast-inspired creations.
Across the week, it’s clear that learning is happening through small, repeated moments - whether it’s working together, exploring materials or asking questions about the world around them. These experiences build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning that continues to grow each day.
We look forward to more adventures ahead!
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath