Is that a magic fairy tree I can see? This week we have been using loppers and our imaginations to send a gift home to our family for the very special day we will be having this Sunday.
We started off in the cabin having our tool talk with regards to our loppers. The children sat down and watched me as I went through step by step how we should use the loppers and what the loppers are there to do. I asked the children questions such as “where are the handles?” and “where is the blade?’ Most of the children could point these areas out with ease. The main question I asked would be “Is it safe to put my fingers in between the blades?” NO! They would all shout. Phew, I can keep my fingers intact ☺
After our tool talk I spoke to the children about a very special day that we may be having on Sunday with our families. In Nursery we don’t focus so much on ‘Mothers Day’ but a family day that we can celebrate. The children spoke about who they would like to give our sticks to, maybe mummy? Or daddy? Or a grandparent? The children would tell us about presents they may have at home and it gave them the confidence to talk about their home life.
It was time to find some sticks. We allowed the children to go and find their own sticks. It was up to them what size they would like to collect but they were advised that a longer stick may be the best. When the children were finding a stick the adults tried to stand back and let them use their own understanding of the activity. Many children were able to find sticks whereas some children needed a little guidance to find the right one. We spoke about sizes too, “That one is too big to cut with the loppers.’
Once the children had found the right stick we headed around the paddock to see what we could see. Some children looked around the paddock and said “what’s that?” whilst pointing to our magical tree. This is something I learnt through my Level 3 training with Charlotte (one of Free Ranger’s owners). I remember how it made me feel when we came across a magical tree with beautiful ribbon hanging from the branches. The children chose what colour ribbon they would like to use for their sticks and we headed back to the cabin to use our loppers.
I led one handle of the loppers on the floor ready for the children to use a lever. I thought that using two handles together, how adults use it, may prove a little tough for the little toddlers. So instead they pushed down on one handle which proved a little easier for them. Once the sticks were trimmed and pruned the children tied on their ribbon and TADAH… A magical wand.
I really hope you enjoyed any magic wands that got sent home, we sure had fun making them.
Lauren