And all at once, summer collapsed into fall
Oscar Wilde
I like to spend the first half of this term down in the orchard, rather than up in the woods. It’s a beautiful open space where we can establish the basics of being outdoors and respecting nature; looking out for brambles, nettles, rabbit holes, fox poo and even just thinking about how to walk on unfamiliar, uneven ground.
We discuss the importance of wearing appropriate clothing outside according to the changing seasons and weather, and how this can affect the enjoyment of being outdoors in all conditions.
I remind the children not to touch mushrooms, fallen fruit and berries and not to pick the flowers, the leaves and fruits from the trees and bushes. Instead, to pause, take time, look closely, be observant, ask questions and above all be respectful of nature in all its beauty.
This week, I retold the story of ‘how the apple got its star’ and watched their faces light up with delight as I revealed the tiny star, hidden deep within every apple. Some of them then went on to take prints of the apple, trying to capture the outline of the little star.
More ‘apple’ adventures coming next week!
Mrs Wilson
