Instagram – Doers and Thinkers

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doersandthinkers

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I'm feeling so happy to be back playing in the woods! @firefliesforestschool
provides weekly forest school sessions, school holiday sessions, forest parties and more, in the beautiful surroundings of @hinchingbrookecountrypark, and I've recently joined the team! This little spyhole was created with a slice cut from a hollow tree, lashed to a v shaped stump! At one side the children view the fire and the log circle, and through the other a world of trees, sky, dappled light and dancing branches! It's kind of like a double sided wormhole into other dimensions!
#nofilterrequired #naturekids #natureplay #freerangechildren #forestschool #hinchinbrookecountrypark #wintersunshine #wrapupwarm #letsgooutside #nowifineeded #muddyfaceshappyhearts #childrensmentalhealth #naturetherapy #whatcanyousee #peepo #technologyfree #childledplay #thinkingparenting #kineastheticlearning #reggioemiliaapproach #highscope #playmatters #naturedeficitdisorder

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Stole this image from @everythingeco.earth as it summed up one of the biggest reasons I have always been so passionate about getting children into nature, whether through outdoor lessons, family walks, garden play or forest school! Growing up in Yorkshire my childhood was one of moorland heather, wild swimming, catching minnows and crayfish, collecting sloes, bilberries and blackberries, rolling down slopes and clambering up hills, exploring caves and experiencing exhilarating windy views! I will be eternally grateful for the gift of nature that just keeps giving.

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So excited to join the fantastic team at @firefliesforestschool! It's been so lovely to get back out under the trees with the kids, even with the most challenging weather conditions! Ive been coming home from our Friday sessions muddy and worn out but happy. My sleep has improved and all my muscles are being used, but more importantly I'm feeling more at peace with the natural world and my place in it. When I've had a little break from this sort of work it still always amazes me how quickly I see the positive impacts of starting again, and I'm so aware that children experience all these benefits and so much more during time spent outdoors.
#forestschool #firefliesforestschool #freerangechildren #letsgooutdoors #naturebabies

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A good friend shared this poem and it touched me deeply. This is such an important message for those parenting or educating children of all ages. In this world of competitive social media, rising child mental health issues, poor social mobility and a society centred around money, image and possessions, we need more than ever to teach our children the beauty, wonder and contentment that can be found in the simplest of things. A contented child is much more likely to grow into a contented adult; an adult able to be the best 'them' they can be.
#simplepleasures #mentalwellbeing #childmentalhealth #aweandwonder #theimportantthingsinlife #gratitude #acontentedlife #parentingisimportant #parentingpoetry

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Small parts party bags all ready for my little boy's 'rainbow minibeast' birthday party tomorrow! I know there's often controversy about party bags and personally I feel that the traditional plastic bag stuffed with cheap and cheerful 'stuff' promotes all the wrong habits in our children (not to mention competitive parents!😂).
This is particularly relevant in these days of climate emergency where every carbon creating purchase should be carefully considered, and the ideals of 'reduce and re-use' are so widely encouraged.
At the same time, I do like the idea that the birthday boy or girl, will give a little gift of gratitude to each of their friends.
Like most things, I use this as an opportunity to promote good quality play! This time around we have a wide range of ages to cover so to keep it very open-ended I've created a small pack of 'bits and bobs' along with a lump of play dough each. I anticipate that the youngest will enjoy moulding the dough and exploring the small parts, while older ones might create minibeasts (or cars or aliens!) of their own. The point is that each child will be able to use these resources in their own special way, and parents can easily add to and develop their little kit as their ideas develop and change.
The items are a mix of objects from home (curtain rings, buttons etc.) and purchased 'crafting' items (lolly sticks, pipe cleaners etc.). On this occasion the play dough has been bought, to save time, but it's really easy peasy to make! Now to get onto the 'Pink Rainbow Butterfly Cake' that my son has requested!😄🦋🌈🎂

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Unpacking boxes 3yr old style! Some of you may know that we moved house recently and I just found this little video of my 'helper' unpacking his toys😂😂. Although it possibly wasn't the most efficient way of doing the job this activity kept him busy for quite some time and allowed me to get on with some of the more fragile items! I've always found that when I have jobs that need doing around the house it's always much easier in the long run if I find ways to let my children help out, whether it's unloading the dishwasher, hanging up socks, stirring cake mix or unpacking boxes (although possibly not my best china!😂). It allows me to do what I need to do, whilst still engaging in fun activities WITH my child, and it gives my children a sense of purpose and responsibility, not to mention an opportunity to explore the trajectory schema that's so clearly in play here! What 'jobs' do you allow your small people to help you with? Comment below and share your tips for multitasking with children!🤗🤗🤗 #helpinglearninghappen
#intentionalparenting #parentinghacks
#schema #trajectoryschema #holisticlearning #thinkingparents #reallifeplay #loosepartsplay #thebusyparentsclub

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Quote shared by @nourishingourchildren. Reading our local paper this morning I was saddened to read a letter from a reader extolling the virtues of 'corporal punishment' in controlling 'unruly behaviour' in children. With everything we now know about brain development and the crucial impact of early experiences, it is easy to forget that many people still firmly believe in the benefits of such outdated forms of discipline. It reminds me of the importance of sharing knowledge and keeping the discussion going, so that we can help all our children to become problem-solvers.
#thoughtfulparenting #disciplinenotpunishment #positivebehaviorsupport #positiveparenting #coregulation

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We seem to have a bit of a containment schema going on at home right now. Everything in the house that isn't tied down is being collected up in piles around the house, filling bags, boxes, bowls and anything else my 3yr old can put something in! Does this common pattern of play look familiar to you? It's a very normal stage of play which may last a few days or a few years! These are the farmers, collectors, digger drivers and archivists of the future! I've been supporting this schematic exploration at home by providing lots of loose parts, 'shopping' play, making collections in the garden, filling and unfilling the washing machine, etc. I know the learning that's taking place is deep (and important!) but I have to confess I'll still be glad when the mess dies down a bit and we move on to something else! 😂😂 #schema #schematicplay #containmentschema #repetitiveplay #patternsofplay #intentionalparenting #eyfs #theearlyyears #supportingplay

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As the weather heads into Autumn and we, perhaps slightly guiltily, crank the thermostat up, it's so important to remember to still get the kids (and yourselves) outside as much as you can. The ease of a sunny day and a pot of chalk may not be so readily available but with a good pair of boots, a warm coat and those all important waterproof trousers, the world outside has soooo much to offer at this time of year! Gardens become magical spaces of fallen leaves, changing colours, and different textures as the moisture seeps in, and nature starts to reclaim the summer plant growth. Further afield brings collections of 'treasures' fallen from the trees, the chatter and bustle of animals and birds busy with winter preparations, puddles and mud to explore, and all that wonderful 'weather' to experience with all our senses! Where do you like to go at this time of year?
#nofilterneeded #playingout #freerangechildren #playstreets #chalkart #outdoorplay #autumnplay #thereisnosuchthingasbadweather #welliesandwaterproofs

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Did you know that today is #helloyellow day? This is the day where people all over are wearing yellow to show their support for young people with mental health challenges. In today's world of ever increasing pressure on our children, frighteningly high levels of mental health difficulties (even among even very young children) and support services stretched way too thin, it is more important than ever to let young people (and adults) know that they are NOT alone!
My little boy got so enthusiastic about the hunt through his wardrobe for yellow, that he then 'de-yellowed' the house and made an enormous yellow collection "to make everyone happy". As you can see we like a bit of cheery yellow in the Doers & Thinkers household!
Today, if you can,wear something yellow. Maybe a scrunchie, a waych or a handerchief, or maybe a full on banana suit! Show the world that you care😚💛💛💛💛 -
@youngmindsuk #mentalhealthweek #helloyellow #psed #braindevelopment #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthfunding #camhs #supportyoungpeople #emotionalwellbeing #childrenneednature

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So proud of my children at the global climate strike last week. My 13yr ernestly discussing ways to reduce her personal carbon footprint (she's now gone vegetarian) and my 3 yr old proclaiming at the top of his voice "I will protect the whole world!"
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One of the biggest indicators I see of our generation's widespread disconnect from nature is our inability to care for the world that nurtures, protects and sustains us. It is both inspiring and saddening to see children taking up that battle on our behalf and fighting for their right to a better, more natural way of life. I only hope the powers that be take heed and listen to these voices of the future. In the meantime we as parents have the crucial responsibility to inform, educate and encourage our children to do what we have not.
#loveourplanet #globalclimatestrike #cambridgeclimatestrike #gretathunberg #naturalchildhood #globalwarming #childrenneednature #outdoorplay #protecttheplanet #forestschool #wildchild #freerangechildren

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You're never too old.....
One of my favourite things about getting outside as a family is the way all the kids play together and find their balance, whatever their age. My (normally 'ultra-cool') 13yr old, my 3yr old and a 9yr old family friend suddenly and spontaneously starting skipping ahead together, before collapsing in a panting and giggling heap! All equals, all genuinely delighted in each other's company. Do your kids interact differently when they're outside together? It's not always easy to engineer, (particularly with those stubborn tweenies and teens with 'better' things to do! ) but I generally find it's worth the hassle, even for a quick 10 minutes, and they nearly always come back inside with attitudes and relationships 're-set'.😀😀 #outsideisbetter #ouroutdoorlife #freerangechildren #outdoorplay #siblinglove #agesandstages

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This changeable weather has certainly been frustrating for me, with my adult brain, thinking about hanging out washing, what footwear to put on, how to stop my hair looking like either a drowned rat or a frizzy sheep... My little one, however, has found it fascinating and he wants to be out in all of it! For him the changing sensations of hot and cool, wet and dry, are endlessly stimulating, but by far his favourite is the rain! When it rains he seems to want to immerse himself completely in the sheer 'difference' of it all; from catching raindrops on his tongue to clambering through wet bushes and delighting in the water showering off the leaves as he pushed through them.🍃💧
Here in the UK its pretty normal to experience several different weather conditions in one day, so be sure to give your children unhurried opportunities to explore the sensory differences that rain, wind, cold and fog can provide, as well as the warm and sunny weather that we as adults may feel more appealing! You cannot underestimate the quality of learning that such rich experiences can provide a young child, and a child who is comfortable in the elements is a child connected to nature and the world around them. The same, in fact, can be said of we adults so get out those waterproofs and wellies (or alternatively flipflops and swimsuits!😂) and let's get wet!😊🌞❄🌨🌫⛈⛆

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This is so relevant today, as my household has just been subjected to an absolute whirlwind of loud emotion from our 3yr old! 😈I know that he is still tired from a late bedtime 2 nights ago, I know that he is stressed about Daddy going to work after a weekend away from home, I know that he has woken up hungry, I know that he loves us all; but it still feels sooooo difficult to withstand calmly the screaming, kicking and sheer destructiveness that took place at 7am this morning! All because Daddy brought up a banana with milk, instead of a cracker. 🙈🙈🙈
My first instinctive response was to rush off and get a cracker (anything to restore the early morning peace!), but I resisted. I also really, really wanted to shout at him to 'STOP SHOUTING!' but that probably would have been a bit hypocritical! 😂
Instead, I explained calmly to him that he was feeling angry and tired and that he'd feel lots better in a minute. I reminded him that I was here for a cuddle when he was ready, and then I waited for the storm to subside.
Eventually the screaming (his new and unfortunately earsplitting response to frustration) turned into sobs and I was able to soothe his feelings away with cuddles and gentle words. Within minutes he was happily curled up with his sister, listening to a story and munching on his banana, all anger forgotten.😇🍌
Sometimes the hardest thing for us parents is to comprehend how something so minor (to us) can become so big. I suppose it has to be seen as a case of scale; an unwanted banana to a small 3yr old is equivalent to us being sold the wrong holiday or given the wrong wedding cake! Expectations have been dashed and outrage can be overwhelming (especially if your brain is only 3yrs old).
What's your most recent tantrum tale? (yours or your child's!😂) How did you or your child calm down? How did you / they feel afterwards? 😩 -
This thought provoking image is shared from @_grobrain, which is a wonderful account to check out if you want to understand more about how your child's brain works 👱👶🙇

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Image shared from @greenchildmag.
Such an important quote. This is what Doers and Thinkers is all about 😊. One of the ways we can demonstrate our love is in the ways we nurture our children's brains, as much as their bodies. The ways we feed their imaginations, celebrate and encourage their own special skills and interests, support their abilities to learn and grow throughout their lives, help them to see their own worth and give them the tools to be resilient against life's inevitable challenges.

#researchbasedparenting
#holisticlearning
#thinkingparents
#parentingishard
#parenthacks
#gentleparenting
#forestschool
#wildchild
#learningisanadventure
#freerangechildren
#learningparents
#attachmentparenting
#attachmenttheory
#childrenareourfuture
#parentingcoaching
#childrenneedlove
#consciousparenting
#naturalparenting

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Hi there! Let me introduce myself. My name is Tamsin Hunt and I am currently a busy full-time mum to my two gorgeous children (currently 13 and 3 so this is an old photo!). I live in the pretty town of St Ives in Cambridgeshire (not Cornwall unfortunately!) with my husband John and a very silly spaniel called Bertie. I am a qualified Primary school teacher, as well as being an Early Years specialist and a Forest School Teacher. With a large age gap between my two children I am thoroughly enjoying having a second opportunity to revisit the magic of early childhood. To find out more about me and why I decided to create this blog, please check out the 'A Bit More About Me' page on my website doersandthinkers.co.uk. This is a new blog and feedback is sooooo useful, so please get in touch and tell me what you would like to see!

#wfhm
#mynaptimebusiness #socialmums
#smallbusiness #researchbasedparenting #holisticlearning #thinkingparents #parentingishard
#parenthacks
#gentleparenting
#forestschool
#wildchild #learningisanadventure #freerangechildren
#eyfs
#learningparents
#iamaparent

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Hi there! My name is Tamsin Hunt and I am currently a busy full-time mum to my two gorgeous children; Eva (aged 11) and Reuben (aged 19 months). We live in the pretty town of St Ives in Cambridgeshire (not Cornwall unfortunately!) with my husband John and a very silly spaniel called Bertie. I am a qualified Primary school teacher, as well as being an Early Years specialist and a Forest School Teacher. With a large age gap between my two children I am thoroughly enjoying having a second opportunity to revisit the magic of early childhood. To find out more about me and why I decided to create this blog, please check out my 'A Bit More About Me' page and tell me what you think!