16 January 2026

Learning about why there are leaves on the floor following on from one of the children’s interests in why it looked messy with all the leaves on the floor.
So we learnt that there were many different reasons why we should leave leaves on the floor. (Leaf Litter)
For example:
1.Nutrients- the leaves decompose (go old and brown) and release nutrients back into the soil. Trees and other plants reuse these nutrients to help them grow. (A natural nutrient circle).
2.Soil health- Leaf litter, helps to improve soil structure, holds water and prevents soil from becoming compacted.
3.Habitat- Many insects,worms, fungi, spiders, amphibians (frogs etc) and small mammals. Live in the leaf litter.

Following on from the children talking about making secret hideouts and their interest in sticks. We thought it would be fun to make secret hideouts. Working in small groups, children to think of a good place to make a secret hideout and let them create.