Amongst the theorists, planning, procedures and policies we covered today, I managed to get out in the woods for some more fun and games - today with different tool use.

Mission 1: Make a Mallet

I was introduced to a Bill Hook and it's uses as far as splitting wood. Together with a Bow Saw I managed the following, completely from scratch with a bit of an Ash tree:



A bit 'rough and ready' ... and I'm very tempted to take the Dremmel to it but I won't. On the weekend I may have to do a tonne of whittling, but the fact is that I used it today and it is very effective. It's just aesthetics to make it look pretty but in truth completely unnecessary. An achievement though, whichever way you look at it.

Mission 2: Make a Musical Instrument

... which turned out to be another bit of coppiced hazel. Again using the Bill Hook and my trusty titanium pen knife. Now I know elastic bands aren't strictly 'natural', but when you're teaching 4 year olds they really won't notice methinks. Now it does make a 'sound' more than a note but again needs more refinement which will come, but they don't half pack a lot into a day, believe me!



I've returned home with a sense of self-satisfaction once again .... and after my worries earlier in the week with all the paperwork (risk assessments, policies, educational theorists etc), I really think in the long run it will all be worth it, though I have still to convince the Head that I can take 4 year olds out with knifes, loppers, potato peelers etc ... let alone get them cooking on fires!!!!

Cooking out again tomorrow - can't wait!!


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