MAKING AND USING DYES
At Rachel Keeling, we work hard to ensure our children have a broad range of experiences which enrich their lives, in particular encouraging them to try things they may not have done previously.
Luckily, we have a very diverse team with a broad range of experiences, hobbies and skills: we recognise that if someone is passionate about their area of learning, they will be more likely to pass on that passion and knowledge.
Recently, children were given the opportunity to create and use dye. First, they were supported to explore natural dyes, creating them using a pestle and mortar with food waste such as teabags, spices (turmeric, cumin), vegetables, fruit, plants, flowers and coffee. The children then added water and salt to fix the natural dyes, and some were able to identify the original plant or food by linking the smell of the dye with its origin.
Children created their own colour samples by dipping cotton and linen into the dye or painting straight onto the fabrics. They commented on the colours: raspberry and beetroot making pink, and brown from the cocoa. This created much talk and excitement.
These initial explorations inspired some children to go foraging in the garden to collect leaves in order to create green dye. They then went on to create tie-dye patterns by twisting and tying up large samples of cotton fabric, dipping them into fabric dyes and leaving them overnight.
After they were unravelled and dried, the children commented on the linear and circular patterns that they had created. These beautiful fabrics were then used as a base for their designs, which they created using fabric paint and fine brushes.
To further embellish their designs, the children selected beads and thread, and some were able to thread their own needle. Interesting conversations and questions were generated during the sessions, with one child asking why the eye of a needle is called the eye, for example.
Children showed their uniqueness in selecting and placing their beads, in the calmness with which they worked and in their ability to sustain concentration. They also showed great pride in their achievements.
TAKE COVER
One childhood memory many adults have is making a den with a bed sheet and a couple of chairs. We know children enjoy squeezing into spaces to enjoy a book, a secret game or to hide from the outside world. Every so often we review our den-making kit, and brush up on skills at tying ‘half hitch’ and ‘overhand bend’ knots.
Den-building supports children’s problem-solving, perseverance, collaboration and communication skills, understanding of number and shape, as well as their gross and fine motor skills.
Children and staff often begin by organising a den-building trolley, sorting and labelling the resources so the children can explore and handle the equipment and learn the names and purpose. You can start very simply with some cardboard boxes, cushions, sheets and pegs. We tend to create dens in the garden: here we find that bamboo poles, large sticks, tarpaulin and various ropes and strings can make a sturdy structure.
As our Forest School provision is embedded in our day-to-day school life, the children have permanent access to the resources, so can explore them freely. We allow the children time to make mistakes and evaluate their choices in making dens – the children will select masking tape to hold materials together (usually with little effect). Our children have created reading dens and hidey holes around the garden, and if you are lucky enough to have a tree, that is often the best structure to lean a den against.
Some of our children have gone on to explore knots. Children and adults have learned together how to master the simple overhand knot and a half hitch – and learned terms such as ‘the working’ and ‘standing’ end of a rope, ‘loops’ and ‘bights’ in the process. They have also worked together to choose the right knot for the purpose, discussing whether it is to tie a rope to an object or to another rope!
When children build dens, they often return to them day after day, and in our school, they have been identified as being communication hotspots.
LET’S DANCE
We love a celebration at Rachel Keeling, and one way we do this is through music and movement. We expose children to a variety of musical styles, including different beats, rhythms and tempos during their time with us: there is often music playing during the core day across the school.
Children are free to dance and move across the setting; however, when there is a focus on dance, they will be supported to work together to build, decorate and light a stage. There will also be a supported conversation about who can use it, and how (usually deciding on ‘everybody’, and a ‘shoes off’ policy eventually!). Children are offered scarves and dancing ribbons or are encouraged to make their own. Sometimes holding a prop can give children the confidence to move.
Over the year, we explore dance through stories, Chinese New Year celebrations and visits from Iroko Drummers, and when emulating our caterpillars turning into butterflies. We also explore other forms such as ballet or flamenco and, with the children, will watch short clips of professional dancers for inspiration.
However you choose to explore dance, it is important to ensure that the space is truly inclusive: all children are welcome and all movements (or none) accepted, without judgement.
Rachel Keeling Nursery School is an Outstanding setting in Bethnal Green, east London
BOOK CORNER
Dyes and colour
All About Dye by Todd Oldham
Part of the Kid Made Modern series, this handy guide provides step-by-step instructions to a range of dyeing techniques. Projects range from simple dip-dye techniques to more unusual tie-dyes!
Mix It Up! by Hervé Tullet
Go on an interactive journey, all within the printed page, to explore colour and colour-mixing.
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
When best friends Little Blue and Little Yellow find each other again, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green!
Dens and den-building
Sally’s Secret by Shirley Hughes
Sally loves making houses, and one day she discovers a special place to make a secret house to which she can invite her friends.
Mama Dug a Little Den by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins
A beautiful exploration of the many animals that build dens for their babies.
The Den Book by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks
Packed with photos and descriptive text, this guide provides tips on how to build, waterproof and furnish a den, as well as activities to do in and around them.
Dance
Let’s Dance by Valerie Bolling and Maine Diaz
Tap, twirl, twist and spin with this rhythmic showcase of dances from all over the world, from the cha cha to flamenco.
Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton
Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands as all the animals on the farm are having a barn dance.
Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif
Frances loves to dance, as long as no-one sees her. How will she find the courage to share her talent with others… and feel free?
Firebird by Saviour Pirotta and Catherine Hyde
The firebird steals the king’s famous golden apples, and it falls on Ivan, the youngest son, to find the thief. A retelling of the classic folktale on which Stravinsky’s ballet is based.
