Keeping it simple

For the last couple of years, I have used my FingerTips Five Finger Thinking to reflect on pretty much everything.

Playing with sticks
Last June, we held the very first Playing with Sticks Day, to celebrate 15 years of my ‘Making it Better for Boys’ book. It was such a fabulous day for families, we decided to do it again. So as the next Playing with Sticks Day is scheduled for 7th June, I dug out my notes and looked back at what we had learned.

We were particularly proud of how the event flowed. We had a broad framework planned out but, the people who came, the families who took part, the food and even the fabulous weather made it flow. Everyone had fun building dens, climbing trees, and making things out of sticks, whether that was weaving with wool or carving (carefully) to make bows and arrows. Everyone was able to do something that they loved and to try something new.

Families and friends
What helped was the way that families and friends pulled together- in the ways that worked for them, whether that was pitching the tipi, building the fire, leading groups of children with their parents in simply ‘Playing with Sticks’ together. Things to keep us safe, and that being sensible and respectful was expected, were shared; but after that there were no rights and wrongs, only that absolutely everything ‘Started with a Stick’.

Some things were planned; as it was the first one, I did my usual providing of provisions to cook on sticks - to be sure no-one went hungry. But my lovely friend Curtis from Community Playthings brought three generations of his family- and they took campfire cooking to the next level. His boys, lovely grandparents Dale and Ida lived in Paraguay. They came along with a special cooking pot and ingredients to cook a delicious casserole called guiso for around thirty people and even made everyone breakfast on the embers the next morning.

It was dark- it was very, very dark
What was tricky? It was dark. Well, if you do choose to camp in a forest there are very little in the way of services- and this simplicity is such a lovely part of it. Until… the sun goes down, and you can’t find the way through the bushes to the loo! We had some torches and some fairy lights – but this year we are prepared - we know how to tackle it. We have high tech head torches and solar lights. We will also know to begin to get ready for bed when the children do- before the darkness creeps in.

Repetition of the right thing
The fourth of the FingerTips catalyst questions is, about repetition of the right thing. What had you practised before that helped today.

I have spent much of my life catering for every eventuality. Raising three neurodiverse guys - who were there with my lovely hubby to help out on the day, I know I needed enough food to feed an army, yet with none that would go to waste. As the first Playing with Sticks Day was a celebration, I did not ask families to bring food to share. I had bought long life drinks, things that would not wilt in the sunshine and cooked ahead a whole field of jacket potatoes ( in case we ran out of firewood).

As it happened people were so much into the spirit that they did bring food to share, they brought wood for the fire, and they brought games (with sticks) and guitars ( I suppose they are made from wood!) It was such a special time with so many successes that we decided to make it an annual event...

When they are simple and special they spread!
And when things are simple and special - they spread. I love that I work with children locally but also have the privilege to work with teams that make an impact across the world- and an impact is just what we have started… with a stick!

My international friends from the World Forum Working Group on World Play have adopted the idea. Not just on June 7th but throughout the year, children and families all over the world are going to be sharing their photos and videos of any game, activity, craft or just simple fun that ‘Started with a Stick’. These are going to be collated to present at the World Forum Foundation conference in Kuala Lumpur next year - and we are going to be a part of it- how exciting.

Will you be world famous?
The great news is that the idea is so simple that you and your families can have a day of Playing with Sticks and, if you too are happy to share, you can send your photos to the ‘It Started with a Stick’ Facebook page. Do be sure they are safe to share- and the sticks are safe too! You never know – your pictures may be world famous!

What a lot we have talked about. That’s what happens with FingerTips- that’s why it is a TALKING TOGETHER tool.

But, if you are like me, even though you have linked the learning and reflection with your fingers, there is just too much to remember. So…

Keep it simple
The final FingerTips catalyst question is with your two little fingers linked. It is called linked-learning. It helps with metacognition, it helps with target setting, it simply helps you to remember- one thing you have taken away from today that you can put in place tomorrow.

And the one thing that mattered most when we were reflecting on our brilliant Playing with Sticks day 2024 was…
keep it simple.

What events have you planned? What was your linked-learning? What one thing did you take away from that which will help you next time.

Take your learning further

• Host a one-day training for your team, whether cubs, childminders, out of school or education settings - have a fabulous and fun day to help you with Loose Parts Learning, Open-Ended Play
• Host a Playing with Sticks day and invite your local families
• Follow the ‘It Started with a Stick’ Facebook group and share your sticks picture to your hearts content
• Watch out for the new Groovy Broomstix Grab bags from BitsKit - so many ways to learn and play - Starting with a Stick