We have had a shorter week which has meant we have had a lot to pack into these past four days!!
Gardening! We have been talking about lifecycles the past few weeks, as the chicks encouraged talk of animal lifecycles! Spring and planting have encouraged our explorer’s development of plant lifecycles. We read a book in which a carrot became too big for his bed and wanted to be pulled out after 8 weeks cosy and growing. We then made individual beds for our carrot seeds, tucked them in, watered and left them in the sun. “We put the carrot in bed, wet and in the sun he will grow big!” This has encouraged numeracy as we had to count how many beds we made and how many carrots we think we will ‘harvest.’
Maria encouraged our Little Forest Folk-ers to get hands-on and create their own ladybird! The learners had an opportunity to use tools in this activity, so we listened carefully to instructions on how to use a drill. We had a small circle of wood in which we drilled spots! How many spots can you drill? How many spots does your ladybird have in total? With woodwork activities we have had the opportunity to develop listening, understanding and fine motor skills by holding small materials such as nails. Developing basic skills will encourage problem solving and imagination - ‘How can I get this nail out?’
We have had sensory play tubs incorporating language and literacy! This linked our time with the chicks where our little ones would find words such as, “Crack,” “Chirp,” and “Hold,” amongst other key words! These were found, read out, and eventually placed in chronological order! ‘The eggs cracked.’ ‘The chick hatched.’ ‘They chicks cheeped!’ These activities enhance memory and problem solving as well as giving an opportunity to regulate our emotions by offering calming movements of pouring and spreading rice.
There have been many other activities this week too, such as tracing templates! Here learners have used pens to become familiar with the letter formations to form their name. We have been on ‘sound hunts!’, exploring the forest to look for animals or creatures beginning with ‘L,’ ‘E,’ etc! Our forest has been filled with numbers and shapes which our Little Forest Folk-ers are becoming familiar with and identifying! Some have even been observed teaching or correcting their peers. ‘That’s not a triangle it’s a RECTangle!’
We have had coronation activities including crown design and making, talking of the monarchy and the big celebration on Saturday in which Charles will officially have the crown placed upon his head, becoming King.
Thanks for another great week in the forest! We are looking forward to next week which will be just as busy so please enjoy a relaxing weekend! 👑
Little Forest Folk
Morden