Our Week in the Forest
This week at Little Forest Folk Putney Heath was a journey into the world of feelings - not just exploring what they are, but helping the children understand why we have them, what different emotions can mean and what we can do when “big feelings” take over. To begin, the children created ‘feelings collages’ using magazine cut‑outs, textured papers, fabric pieces, markers and glue to express emotions visually. They selected colours, textures and images that felt like different emotions (joy, frustration, calm, excitement, etc.), then shared their collages in small groups and talked about why they picked certain elements.
We also wove in movement and sensory play to support emotional regulation. The children blew bubbles through straws (encouraging gentle, controlled breath), squeezed play dough and slime, threw and kicked balls at hoops to help release energy and tension. In the softer moments, we gathered in the new sensory tent for stories - reading books like 'I Am Angry' by Michael Rosen developed the children’s ability to recognise and name their feelings. Later, the children used sticks and paint to compose abstract “feelings art,” choosing shapes, lines and hues that resonated with how they felt, reflecting on why those choices represented their emotions.
We made our own simple fidget‑tools by filling balloons with flour (with adult support), creating squeezable worry‑balloons. Some of the children decorated theirs with faces or yarn “hair,” personalising their creations. With several new children joining us, we discussed how to support peers - using kind words, asking “How are you feeling today?”, and being ready to help. We played group parachute games that required cooperation and worked together in the mud kitchen, stirring, sharing and negotiating - showing how collective effort and understanding strengthen everyone.
On Friday, we slowed down and immersed ourselves in nature. We walked to the conker tree and practised mindful listening: hearing the birds, feeling the air and taking in the stillness of the forest. After the walk, the children collected stones and painted them back at camp to become “worry stones” - smooth, painted rocks they can hold when they feel anxious or unsettled, inspired by the calm of the woodland.
Altogether, this week was rich in emotional learning, sensory engagement, mindfulness and communal care - supporting the children in becoming more aware of their feelings, selecting ways to express or soothe them and in offering kindness and presence to others.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Little Forest Folk
Putney Heath