The Small Folk

The Small Folk Enchanting, holistic play, celebrating a naturally simplified childhood

01/05/2026

Comment ‘resources’ below for the link to some of the pieces I use most often, and of course, ask any questions below! 🌿

30/04/2026

Fine motor development is a big priority in my class. As well as having many incidental ways that this is explored through play and provocations, we also have a dedicated time-slot each week where students work in four groups consisting of 4-5 students to particularly hone these skills 🌿 These were our first four rotations in Term 1.

26/04/2026

New pieces in our building area, ready to kick start Term 2 🧱

26/04/2026

Comment ‘cards’ for the direct link to this gorgeous set to drop straight into your DM’s 🙌🏽 Used daily in my room, not only are they practical with their easily identifiable imagery, they are also an aesthetic, enchanting addition to any learning space 🌿

24/04/2026

(and when I say “I” the side note is with a lot of help from the husband 😆)

I had visions of creating my own wind tunnel for my class after being inspired by the beautiful designs at (not yet available in Aus - hopefully one day🤞🏽)

I can only imagine the squeals of delight when I first introduce it to my students 🙉 Let me know if you’d like a full video on how to create one for your own littles 🥰

23/04/2026

With a brand new term on the way, our building area was ready for a fresh set of loose parts 🌿

Comments 'resources' below for a link to some of my absolute go-to's ⬇️

17/04/2026

Pairing unexpected items (like dinosaurs and tea sets) works a treat because it disrupts routine thinking and invites children to actively make meaning rather than follow a familiar script. That shift is where engagement deepens (what we ALL want!) 🙌🏽

Why this works?

• It ignites a cognitive spark
Instead of passively replaying known scenarios, children are encouraged to invent new ones.

• It builds flexible thinking
Adapting what they know about the resources on their own, children must negotiate new roles & ‘rules’ when they are combined.

• It removes “right vs. wrong” pressure
Because there’s no obvious “correct” way to play, children have the freedom to experiment and take creative risks.

• It strengthens narrative building
Mixed elements push children to link ideas together, which supports storytelling skills and language development.

• Finally, it increases sustained engagement
Novel combinations tend to hold attention longer because play evolves unpredictably and new ideas keep emerging.

Next time you’re setting up a new space, try combining mismatched pieces to enliven imagination! A great way to begin is consider two typically opposing concepts. For example;

• Fantasy & real-world (dragons + ice / fairies + mini bricks)
• Big & small scale (rocket ship + cats / cardboard boxes + mice)
• Calm & chaotic (tea sets + dinosaurs / farmyard + bears)

At the heart of early childhood education is the opportunity to create moments of wonder and enchantment for our students, and in the process, perhaps rekindle a touch of that magic within ourselves ✨

17/04/2026

What unexpected pairings have you tried? A great way to begin is consider two typically opposing concepts. For example;
• Fantasy & real-world (dragons + ice / fairies + mini bricks)
• Big & small scale (rocket ship + cats / cardboard boxes + mice)
• Calm & chaotic (tea sets + dinosaurs / farmyard + bears)

At the heart of early childhood education is the opportunity to create moments of wonder and enchantment for our students, and in the process, perhaps rekindle a touch of that magic within ourselves ✨

16/04/2026

Name the cups? I’d love your thoughts!

Deep breaths… “it’s just hair, it’s just hair, it’s just hair” ✂️😭 Arnhem before ➡️ after
07/03/2025

Deep breaths… “it’s just hair, it’s just hair, it’s just hair” ✂️😭 Arnhem before ➡️ after

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Wynyard, TAS

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http://thesmallfolk.com.au/, https://temu.to/k/g3jdzy8nxyy

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