For two weeks now the Burrow children have been exploring the tree house with ropes, pulleys and crates. We have had lots of fun and used lots of strength throughout the weeks.

After snack I asked the children if they could remember what we did last week. The children could spot the tree house from the cabin so were more than able to point this out to me. Without knowing the children were practising the past tense and enjoying the time together remembering our shared experiences.

Once at the tree house the children were greeted by ropes that were either attached by a rope and pulley or hung over the log along the top of the tree house. Attached to the rope were two crates that they could fill with blocks or there was a rope that was knotted around a block.

It was very interesting to watch the children pulling the ropes, many of them didn’t understand the concept of pulling the rope. Many children would pull the rope and not know what to do when it was pulled right down, or some children pulled it whilst moving back then stopped when they could no longer move. Only a few knew putting their hands over the top of the other and pulling it down like adults then to pull it. This was why I decided to carry the plan over for two weeks to really help the children understand the concept.

As well as pulling, the children could fill the crates with blocks for their peers to pull. Of course on some occasions the children filled the crates so much that even I struggled to lift them on the pulley, it was great fun exploring the basic concept of mass and weight. It was great to see the team work and socialisation that came from the sessions and the level of communication the situation encouraged.

Alongside exploring the ropes the children had free reign of the other activities they could take part in. This could be climbing our logs and jumping, or maybe running through the willow tunnels and playing hide and seek.

Throughout the 2 weeks it was great to see the children’s concepts of simple forces and movement of objects by force develop and grow and their physical development from either using the ropes, climbing the tree house or running around the paddock. This activity really promoted children working together, coming up with solutions and re-visiting the drawing board; all crucial to extending their learning.

I hear we have to wrap up warm for next week as we go through a very cold spell of weather. Please ensure lots of layers are packed in the bags with hats and gloves.

Thanks for reading,

Lauren