Den Building

With the cold snap, we have been looking at creating cosy spaces for children to snuggle up and keep warm and engaged.
A new tarp was acquired: children worked collaboratively, problem solving and thinking about where it could be based.
Fine motor skills were challenged (especially whilst wearing gloves!) and children threaded the ropes.
Some children shared their own experiences of camping. One child knew how to use the pegs to secure the bottom.
"My mum used a hammer!" Nusaybah said. So Nusaybah got a hammer from the woodwork bench and used it to tap the peg into the ground.
The wind kept blowing the tent up and children showed great resilience in repeatedly securing it. 
Once inside, children were consulted with about making the den cosy - children carried a blanket and laid it on the floor, talking about where to place it.  Children were very excited and wellbeing levels were high as they also selected some resources to use inside the den.
Children sustained concentration, despite the cold breeze.
We are looking forward to seeing how the den evolves in the coming week.
At Rachel Keeling, children know their voices are valued so we are hoping their ideas will filter through.
We are having a focus on conversations with, and between, children and feel this area will be a conversation hot spot. 

Maybe you and your child can make a den under a table with a bed sheet or create a fort with sofa cushions!