January has been far more fun than expected, considering how gloomy midwinter can be. Among other highlights, we managed to complete a session in the midst of freshly fallen snow (this felt especially lucky as it was melted and gone within hours). As the month came to an end we started seeing bulbs peeping out above ground and the first few snowdrops on show, which fills us with hope for the spring to come. We started work with two new cohorts of children this month and have loved getting to know them and watching them grow and learn.
Back in the office we are in discussion with three more schools about new programmes of work which has made for a really encouraging start to the year.
January Reflections
Surprises: We have started working with small groups this month, which has been an amazing experience. We can’t believe how fast time flies by when we are all working together
Satisfactions: It was always our hope that Green Sparks would provide us with the chance to work in a way that felt healthier and happier. January has been a great opportunity to notice this taking effect – no need for new year’s resolutions to exercise more and get outdoors now that gardening is built into our working life instead of squeezed in at the weekend
Dissatisfactions: Sure January went well, but we are desperate to start off some crops for 2023’s fruit and veg harvest and introduce kids to the pure joy of watching seeds germinate and nurturing them through to mature plants. It is sometimes frustrating waiting out the cold months, even with such great company
Learning: This month we have started learning more about Theraplay, an evidenced based approach that uses structured play to promote healthy relationships. It is exciting thinking about how we can make use of this approach to grow our work