The first of the wintry weather found the Etherow Park's Mini Rangers this week. It was windy, rainy and quite cold, so we made plans to batten down the hatches and see what we could make of it. I set off from home quite excited really because I knew that all my plans would change and the weather would make an impact on the children that I could never plan for. You see novel experiences are the most memorable learning journies any of us have and this was the first day of this type wintery weather in a long time, so I knew we had to capitalise on it!
To add to this Pure Innovations website manager came down to take photos and interview everyone that would turn up, I was a little afraid it would just be Neil, myself and volunteer Marina! It wasn't and we had a lovely time as depicted on the Pure Innovation website:
http://www.pureinnovations.co.uk/etherow-park-mini-rangers-volunteer/
I really enjoyed the mud ink that was created and I was interested to see how studious the children were in muddying up their boots and then jumping on to the pallet to carefully print on the sheet we had placed there. We added a drum beat and the footprints became dancing prints and the end result is on the Pure website!
Despite the weather Neil set up an insect making section, where children were encouraged to paint pine cones, stick leaves together and all sorts of other constructive, fantasy type of play was going on. It is a shame the Gazebo didn't work as the wind really was too strong for the Gazebo to last, but luckily the wind seemed to take the rain away and we were left with the damp, grey remnants of the rain.
We then sat in our circle and looked at the interesting objects in our sounds box. The children really enjoyed the instruments and when we were reading our itchy bear story they shook their instruments every time I said the word 'itchy'.
Due to the cold I completely forgot to show the fantastic presentation Helen had made to support her beautiful fairy cakes. So while the children cued up for snacks I showed them the ingredients that had gone into making the cakes. I was so impressed that the children that I childmind will be doing a similar activity soon!
I would love to hear how you felt the children did in the cold and the rain? I know Maddie came away with a smile on her face as did Marina, Neil and I!! Please let me know how you coped!
Look out for next October 13th's plan!
Melanie Commins, EYTS
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