The children wanted to return to the area of the woods we were at last week. They spotted a fallen tree as we left last time, but it was too late in the day to explore it. Therefore the tree became this week's focus!
The main trunk was extremely long and was lying ajar from it's stump - it became an amazing provocation for role play. The stump in the ground became the centre for inquiry and the surrounding area of land a leading opportunity for adventure and imagination...
1. The tree became a train on a journey to Africa, before it broke down and required a mechanic with rope and knots in order to get it started again. This took a long time with lots of ideas, theories and problem solving to get the train running again! Many opportunities were offered of rich language with Sheila and Kay, and independent climbing skills were in abundance. One of the children reminded Sheila (who was worried they may fall) that she could do it, 'I know I can do it', she said, then her friend said, 'If you fall down, you only climb back up again!'. Confidence building galore!!!
2. The stump of the tree - the properties of science were investigated with Pat, there was noticeable fire damage in the stump. Had this been lightning, or an explosion caused by dynamite?
3. The woodland area became a mountaineering expedition! Someone was stuck at the top of the mountain, one of the children had been 'contacted' by mobile phone to come to the rescue!. Five children together shouted: 'is anyone there, can you hear us!'. The group decided it may not be a person... but a monster or a ghoul or a witch, uh oh!!... They decided they should turn back, one of the children thought they would be better off in the safety of the others by the tree, but then no, lets just go a different route, and they were off again, exploring... but away from the possible monster!!!
The train needs to be tied up to fix it...
All abord! Africa here we come!
Pat tells us lots about lightning!
Look at the shapes I can make with sticks!