Well, what a first run we’ve had! I can’t believe it’s flown by so quickly.
This week was our sixth session and, by way of celebration, we made it a super-duper Halloween special, with all the kids (and some of the adults) dressed for the occasion. I know it’s still a week until Halloween, but, we’re not there next week. We had to bring it forward a bit.
As it was Halloween, I got to read one of my favourites: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. (Did I mention how brilliant I think she is?) So, after a bit of a spooky run-around, playing hide and seek, we settled down to read the book. Everyone (adults included) was completely transfixed, as they tend to be when I pull out one of the many great books from JD’s back catalogue.
The main attraction, this week, was the pumpkin fun.
The children were supplied with half a pumpkin each, some lengths of bamboo, safety gloves, and access to sticks and hammers and permanent pens. (to get the sticks in and draw eyes respectively)
This was a wonderful activity that gave the little’uns a really great opportunity to work on their fine motor skills whilst managing the risk of using something heavy to batter a small stick into something else. There was a bit of a safety talk on the importance of wearing a glove on the hand holding the stick. Many would think, “Sure, they’re only two or three years old. They’re not paying any attention.” Well, They all put their glove on. One child even told his adult off for not wearing a glove when she was holding his stick for whilst he hit it.
You’d be hard pressed to find any clearer evidence of the real benefits to allowing children, even as young as this, the opportunity to take part in “risky” activities. These children have learned responsibility, resilience, co-operation, collaboration and their imaginations have run absolutely wild in just six short weeks.
Fun with Sharpies
Hollowing out the pumpkins is a great sensory activity.
“You should be wearing gloves, Mummy!”
After the pumpkins came milk and home-made banana cake, followed by a bit of free play time. This time, with no input from the adults present, there were children drawing on trees with chalk, children heading off in search of tigers and others playing hide and seek together. It was a delight to see and further testament to the benefit that spending time in this group has brought to their confidence, self-esteem and social interaction.
As I said, we have now come to the end of this bloc of six sessions. We will, however, be returning on November 5th for the next run, which will take up up to the Christmas break.
Due to the success of this initial run, and to bring greater certainty to my planning and resourcing, this block will require pre-booking, with an upper limit of 14 children or 10 accompanying adults, whichever is the least.
The cost of this will be £24 for one child or £42 for two children.
To book on, please drop me a message and we’ll get you and your little one(s) signed up.
Hurry though, spaces are limited and I’d hate for you to miss out.
See you there.
Strong Roots Forest School 
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