Forest School

For the last 4 weeks, Rowan has been attending a forest school that we have arranged for some of the local home ed kids.

It has been quite a journey so far for Rowan as this is probably the first time he has been involved in group activities without the support of either me or Tris.

The first week he was hesitant and reluctant, but we stayed nearby and the leaders noticed his reluctance and helped him into the activities.  He seemed to enjoy it.

The following week was great, his confidence soared, he trusted the leaders, he was having fun, he even played with children he had never played with before.

The 3rd week, however it all seemed to go pear shaped.  Rowan had his first lesson in how nasty children can be.  I don't know what was said as Rowan doesn't want to talk about it, but one of his friends said something horrible to Rowan, which really upset him, then just as he was getting over that another freind said something, at that Rowan just wanted and needed to go home.  He is so sensitive that when children start to gang up and be horrible he gets really upset, also I think as he is so big for his age, people tend to forget he is 1-2 years younger than most of his friends.

So, I was not looking forward to the session this week, thinking he wouldn't want to go.  But he was fine, the group was smaller, which helped and the 'gang warfare' of the previous week wasn't apparent and after the intial helping in he loved it.  He even joined in!  Which is a huge thing for Rowan, he is a 'sit on the side and watch' kinda boy.

So 2 more sessions to, what shall they bring?  Hopefully more of this confident and happy Rowan.