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Brownies Continue to Explore
Jan. 31st, 2020 10:42 amThese last two weeks we have continued to work on the Explore skills builders, a mixture of activities and games.
Last week we began with looking at map reading and tried using a very basic map to locate places. Inevitably, some found it easier than others, but with a bit of help and encouragement they all managed to do it. It always surprises me how much a little individual positive encouragement of the 'you can do this' variety helps to get past the 'I can't' mental state. Some of them may never become great map readers, but if their time in Brownies encourages them to try things then we've achieved a lot.
Then following a game, our latest leader (now named Peacock) took them through an activity about the different planets. Peacock has come to us because she was unhappy in the pack she was in before and didn't feel included. She feels much more relaxed with us and was happy leading the activity, despite only having met us the previous week. No, we didn't drop her in the deep end, she volunteered - she's a children's nurse, so plenty of experience.
This week Flamingo led them in making a cardboard sextant. It sounds complicated, but was very easy and the only help the Brownies required was in tying knots in the string. We then went outside - it was dry and a clear night for once - and although we couldn't see the North Star we did see the moon and were able to use the sextants. It was fun seeing them showing their parents how they'd made something different.
After which the Brownies paired up, put the arm of one of the pair in a sling and then the other had to help the 'injured' Brownie over an obstacle course, before swapping over and repeating the course. They all enjoyed crawling under tables and through hoops.
It's my turn to lead the activities for the next couple of weeks, we shall see what happens :)
Last week we began with looking at map reading and tried using a very basic map to locate places. Inevitably, some found it easier than others, but with a bit of help and encouragement they all managed to do it. It always surprises me how much a little individual positive encouragement of the 'you can do this' variety helps to get past the 'I can't' mental state. Some of them may never become great map readers, but if their time in Brownies encourages them to try things then we've achieved a lot.
Then following a game, our latest leader (now named Peacock) took them through an activity about the different planets. Peacock has come to us because she was unhappy in the pack she was in before and didn't feel included. She feels much more relaxed with us and was happy leading the activity, despite only having met us the previous week. No, we didn't drop her in the deep end, she volunteered - she's a children's nurse, so plenty of experience.
This week Flamingo led them in making a cardboard sextant. It sounds complicated, but was very easy and the only help the Brownies required was in tying knots in the string. We then went outside - it was dry and a clear night for once - and although we couldn't see the North Star we did see the moon and were able to use the sextants. It was fun seeing them showing their parents how they'd made something different.
After which the Brownies paired up, put the arm of one of the pair in a sling and then the other had to help the 'injured' Brownie over an obstacle course, before swapping over and repeating the course. They all enjoyed crawling under tables and through hoops.
It's my turn to lead the activities for the next couple of weeks, we shall see what happens :)
