Our Week in the Forest
This week has been full of meaningful play, rich learning experiences, and lots of imagination as the children explored themes of caring, nature and storytelling. Through role play, sensory activities and outdoor exploration, our Little Forest Folk-ers have been developing their confidence, creativity and social skills.
We began the week by helping our poorly animal friends, as the children took on the roles of vets, surgeons and nurses. They worked together in teams, carefully examining the animals, discussing what they might need, showing great empathy and kindness. This activity encouraged communication, cooperation, and an understanding of caring for others. Our learning then led us to the bear cave, where we explored animals that hibernate. The children were fascinated as we talked about how animals prepare for winter, where they sleep and how they stay warm. Linking this learning to their own experiences and ideas.
The wet and muddy weather brought exciting opportunities for outdoor play and physical development. The children enthusiastically dug in the mud, slid down the mud slide, and worked together in the mud kitchen to create imaginative meals. These activities supported strength, coordination and teamwork, while also allowing the children to explore textures and natural materials. Alongside this, we introduced a sensory activity using fabrics of different textures. The children used these materials to create their own hibernation animals and carefully built cosy shelters for them, thinking about comfort, warmth and protection. This supported problem-solving skills and encouraged thoughtful, creative thinking.
Throughout the week Goldilocks and the Three Bears has been a much-loved story. The children enjoyed listening to the story repeatedly and confidently joining in with familiar parts and taking on different roles during role play. This helped develop their language, storytelling skills and imagination. To extend this play further, we set up a hair salon in the forest, where the children enjoyed experimenting with different colourful hairstyles. This activity encouraged self-expression, social interaction, and confidence as the children shared ideas and supported one another.
It has been a busy and rewarding week filled with laughter, learning and exploration. The children have shown enthusiasm, curiosity and growing independence, and we are very proud of all they have achieved.
Little Forest Folk
Chiswick