A Fresh and Feel-Good Start to the New Year

Although the start to the new year and new term was freezing cold, it was lovely to come back to bright blue skies and the magic of a sprinkling of snow. The children picked up from where they left off before Christmas and began busily exploring what the change in temperature had brought with it. They were fascinated by all the different places ice had accumulated in the playground and had fun exploring its properties and what they could use it for.

As January is typically a dark and dingy month, we decided to brighten it up at school by looking after our mental health. We tasted some of the more exotic foods known for boosting our immune systems as well as lifting our moods, and the children talked thoughtfully about how different foods can make us feel. In class, the children created their own ‘mood jars’, using colour and glitter to represent different emotions and discussing strategies they can use when feelings feel a little overwhelming.

In Forest School we learnt to become one with nature by taking part in a forest bathing session and practising the Hinoki technique with Lisa Duncan from Holmbury St Mary. This focused the children’s attention on slowing down, engaging their senses and noticing the small details around them, from the feel of tree bark to the sounds of the winter woodland. The calm atmosphere encouraged reflection and helped everyone to feel grounded and relaxed.

A yoga session also formed part of our week, and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning a range of poses and breathing techniques. They showed great concentration and resilience, and many commented on how peaceful and calm they felt afterwards, taking these skills back into the classroom with them.

However, the highlight of the week, which also doubled as a fundraising event, was a ‘Break the Rules’ day, when children paid £1 for every school rule they broke during the day. This gave everyone the opportunity to sport a funky hairstyle, paint their nails, don the odd temporary tattoo, bring in a soft toy and come to school without uniform. We are very grateful to our families and community for their support, which helped to make the day such a success.

It has been a positive and energising start to the year at Peaslake Free School, and we look forward to sharing more of our learning and adventures with you as the term continues.