Tinker Lab Update
Sarah Rix
It has been a fun filled half term after I took the reigns from Soizic to facilitate the Tinker Lab sessions, shifting to a Monday morning at Springstead. This has been my first foray back into the world of work after leaving teaching to have my daughter nearly 13 years ago! That is such a mind blowing thought for me. My confidence had somewhat evaporated over the years so having the first half term to work alongside Soizic helped remind me how much I enjoy creating fun play and learning spaces for children. Obviously this is something that I do at home for my three children on a daily basis but I have found it super fun to set up activities and crafts with other children in mind. I have also drawn on some familiar ideas from my teaching days which has been cathartic in a way.
Autumn is my favourite season. I love the colours, natural treasures, festivals and the reminder to slow down and settle in to prepare for the shorter, colder and darker days ahead. This could definitely be seen amongst the activities on offer this half term for our small people. I love to watch the children being welcomed into our space and see their natural curiosity ignite. The way children have such a brilliant way of just letting go and diving in always inspires me. They have squished fingers into cinnamon scented playdough, rolled conkers through and down guttering race courses outside, heard tales of animals cooking pumpkin soup and experimented with salt and warm water to free animals trapped in ice!
Heading towards Christmas it has been lovely to watch the children bonding and playing together. I like to create a warm, welcoming space (despite initially taking a while to suss out the heating!) so there is always a cosy corner with cushions a soft rug and seasonal stories to curl up into if the children (or adults of course) are after a moment of calm and tranquility. Looking ahead to the new term, my personal goal is to continue to inspire and excite the children, hopefully creating a comforting space where our children feel safe and free to be themselves, but also to add a rhythm into the adult's week as a home ed parent. Providing an opportunity to share common ground, supporting and inspiring each other along the way on our journeys into home ed. I have a feeling that 2026 is going to be a fun one for our Waymaker families and I am very much looking forward to seeing what it has to offer for us all.
