JUBILEE CHILDCARE Monday 1st February 2015

So we are back to once a week again.

This coming Monday we still have Steve and Marina, but I will be taking a back seat to this session and it will be run by Jubilee Childcare.

I know they have some pretty impressive plans that involve muddy prints etc, but to find out more you just have to turn up.

See you there x

Mel

Next Mini Rangers Session 25th January 2016

Freezing mornings, interminable grey skies, fog and bitter winds, but oh my the exhilaration of the outdoors! We talk about change especially now look at this picture from the summer:

and now the winter

This is our opportunity to introduce the process of change to the children.  Even more than this we start to recognise the impact we have as humans on the environment. This picture is from last winter, do you notice any changes this year?

To make the most out of winter it is important that we take into account what we are wearing?


Footwear
Children should wear either wellingtons or sturdy walking boots.  Two pairs of well fitting socks should be worn for extra warmth.  If children arewearing wellies in the snow, make sure hey fit snugly so thatthe snow can't get inside them.

Warm clothes
several thinner layers are warmer than one thick one and enable children running about to shed an outer layer without the risk of catching a chilld.  Tights wore under trousers are a good idea, as is a vest and long-sleeved shirt beneath a fleece and a coat.

Waterproofs
Come wind, rain or snow, a decent set of waterproofs will protect children from whatever the elements have in store.

Gloves/mittens
small children get miserable very quickly if their hands are too cold, yet given the chance they will want to play with ice and snow.  Gloves should be warm and waterproof.  Take along a could of extra pairs just in case.

Hats
Children should always wear a hat in cold weather ideally a balaclava or a hat with cosy flaps.


At our next sessions we will be looking at collecting more twigs and making twig sculptures.  We will also be looking at the changes to the trees during our walk into the woods.

Looking forward to seeing you soon

Mel

Here and now of Mini Rangers Starting Back on the 11th January

During the Christmas break I have been a busy Bee, Jubilee Pre School are going to be coming on board to organise every other session so that between us we can continue to run Mini Rangers every Monday morning.

I will let you know who is on and on which dates.

Last Term I embarked myself on a journey into Forest School tuition, it was really interesting and Mini Rangers gave us the space to try out different focuses from sound exploration to pre-writing skills such as scissor work and creating twig structures.  I want to built on these activities by encouraging more woodland explorations, more food prep and more stories.

Sometimes I have to scale down my ambitions depending on the volunteers I have, but a great proposal from Jubilee Childcare to organise every other session for the Mini Rangers will extend the possibilities and bring in some new ideas.

For my own sessions I would like to focus on educational elements that will encourage our mini rangers to look at ways of looking after our park as well as enjoying it.

I will be looking at ways of educating both myself and anyone else who is interested in more woodland care and understanding by asking the woodland trust to come and do a talk for us, please let me know if you are interested in this as I am hoping to arrange it for 6pm, children will be welcome, but not compulsory! Coffee and Biscuits will be served, the talk will be held a Jubliee Pre School.

So I will be back at Mini Rangers on the 11th January at 10 am for fun and exploration in the woods.

See you there.