Eco blog:

This week in our OWWL sessions, we have been exploring ice and snow, using the winter weather as a rich learning opportunity.  The children worked together to create a mini snowman, thinking carefully about how we could add features such as a nose and eyes on such a small scale. They proudly named him Olaf!

 We made our own bubble mixture using water, sugar and washing up liquid, we then blew bubbles onto the snow watching the bubbles freeze.

 We cleared the large wreath loading it into the wheelbarrow before composting the foliage in the allotment area.

 The children enjoyed a session where they were able to explore the snowy woodland, engaging in imaginative role play. Campfires were created and some children pretended to cook marshmallows.

 Through group discussions, we explored what our bodies need to stay healthy and extended this understanding to animals. The children demonstrated a growing awareness that animals, like us, need food and water, particularly during the winter months. They were able to understand that in extremely cold weather, frozen water sources can prevent animals from drinking.

 To support wildlife, the children helped remove ice from water trays and refill them with fresh water in our outdoor areas. They also refilled the bird-feeding stations around the garden, noticing that the Christmas bird cakes placed before the break had been completely eaten.

 Finally, we transported wood chips to the area under the large tree in the middle garden, spreading it out to cover the muddy ground.