White Rocks - Indians totems

29 November 2017

Over the last few weeks children from Reception and Year 1 went on an autumn walk to a new local area called White Rocks where we saw tremendously interesting Indian totems. Most of the time our walks were beautiful and sunny. The children discovered bird feeders made from coconut shells on the trees, holes in the tree trunk made by Doctor Woodpecker tree fungi, wild berries, ferns, leaf prints in the mud, dry thistles, reflection of the trees in the puddles and Mr. Frosty even left some frost on the leaves for us! The greatest sight for us was the discovery of a walkway where the doe and reindeers passed through. The look of the salamander was magic and unforgettable to us.

During our exploration some of us found ‘sticks’ stuck in the ground. This provided an excellent discussion point and investigation for us all and after closer look we found out they were the roots to the trees! We talk about what roots are and why trees have them. The children enjoyed using their hands to feel the roots and following them from the ground to the trunk and brunches of the trees. When they were describing the roots they were used some great words such as ’bumpy’, ‘rough’ and ‘wriggly’. The children were also excited to stretch up high and discover high-rise locations away from the sidewalk.

During this autumn session we were able to observe leadership, courage, friendship and collaboration with others. Such activities help children to improve their physical development and we are very happy that they have so many opportunities to do this in the forest.

Very good investigating Reception and Year 1!

Daniela Kollarova – Forest School leader