6 toddlers went to the Denne Woodlot on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. The children spent most of their time figuring out how to navigate going over and under the variety of logs that populate the forest. Some logs intersected with one another, and others were stacked on top of each other. Some of the children were easily able to figure out how to go over and under the logs to get to the staff on the other side. One child threw their weight over a higher log and was able to bring themselves to the other side by sliding over the top.

Another child was able to go down onto the ground to roll under the high log. Another child grew increasingly frustrated as they tried multiple ways to go over and under the log. The challenge they faced was that they weren’t crouching low enough to the ground and kept getting their forehead stuck on the log.

A staff showed this child an alternate way of getting under the log by lying down and rolling underneath it. The child attempted to continue different methods and eventually found a few methods to get under the log to the other side. The children continued to observe each other, and several tried the same ideas as their peers. Some were successful while others were not.

 

So What?

• Observed peers’ ideas of getting from one side of the logs to the other
• Tested multiple theories of movement to determine the best methods
• Climbed over and under the logs to get to the opposite side
• Determined that going under the log was the most effective way to get to the other side – done by crawling or rolling under the log
• “Children have a sense of self and health and well-being when they: are increasingly able to take initiative, tackle challenges with enthusiasm and persistence, and cope with and adapt to changes, frustrations, and the unexpected in every day living;” (HDLH, 2014, pg. 32)

Now What?

• Continue to explore the variety of climbing areas in the forest
• Navigate the area on their own and alongside peers
• Step up and step down on their own