A Big Hooty Hello, my dear friends,
Hi, It’s Miss Honey & Miss Rosie Owl!
I’m writing to share the next chapter of our adventure at Laanecoorie Reservoir. Today we spent a glorious afternoon out on the water in canoes!
After a delicious, healthy lunch, we wandered down to the lake where five bright canoes waited for us along the shore. Before anyone stepped aboard, we made sure every child had sunscreen, a hat, and SunSmart clothing. Life jackets were carefully fitted, with every strap checked twice—safety first, after all!
Each canoe had its own adult skipper: Miss Gala, Miss Pelican, Miss Crow, Miss Rosie, and of course, me. With gentle splashes and cheerful chatter, we pushed off and began to drift across the sparkling water. As we paddled around the lake we spotted a family of geese gliding past, a heron standing perfectly still at the water’s edge, and even a few fish leaping joyfully into the air. The view was beautiful and the whole lake felt calm and peaceful.
When we returned to shore, Miss Gala surprised us with fresh fruit slices while Miss Pelican handed out cool, refreshing water. We rested in the shade beneath the gum trees, sharing stories and laughter as everyone talked about their favourite moments from the canoe ride.
Later in the afternoon, big clouds began to roll in. “When the weather changes, it’s time to pack up and head back,” Miss Pelican reminded us gently. Together we tidied the area, making sure we left nothing behind but our footprints in the sand.
That evening we felt so proud of the children. They had explored, learned new skills, and kept themselves and one another safe all day long. As we looked out over the quiet reservoir, we reflected on how special the day had been.
And tomorrow? Well, tomorrow will bring a brand new adventure!
Until we write again,
Stay curious, have fun and be kind.
With a happy hoot,
💛 Miss Honey & Miss Rosie Owl
P.S. If these stories have given your classroom a little flutter of curiosity and kindness, I would be delighted for you to discover The Hoot Hoot Way—a book created to nurture safe, caring and joyful learning spaces. The book, along with its matching lesson plans, activities and discussion prompts, is waiting for you at www.inkypopshop.com/ Within the lesson plans you will also find the Short Stories in The Together Wood Forest, offering extra adventures, discussion starters and creative activities to deepen each theme.
If you would like more ideas, gentle inspirations and the occasional hooty hello, you can join Miss Owl’s Mail with the subscription form below. New subscribers receive a free classroom activity to welcome their children to the Together Wood Forest, along with stories, tips and creative surprises fluttering straight to your inbox.
Everything is waiting for you at inkypopshop.com, ready to support busy teachers and curious hearts alike. Your purchase helps more gentle stories take flight, and I hope to see you in Together Wood Forest very soon… where learning always begins with a great big hooty hello. 🦉
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Information for families:
Today’s story highlights important water safety and SunSmart practices, including wearing correctly fitted life jackets, close adult supervision, and checking weather conditions before and during water activities. Children are also reminded that safety equipment, listening to adults, and packing up when conditions change all help keep everyone safe while enjoying time on the water.
- Royal Life Saving Australia Water Safety | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
- Kidsafe Australia Water Safety | kidsafe Australia
- Water Safety for Kids! | Water Safety Rules | Water Safety Tips
Discussion Prompts (Preschool & Early Primary)
· What did Miss Honey and Miss Rosie do before the canoe trip to make sure everyone was safe?
· How do we show respect for the animals and plants we see when we explore?
· How did everyone help each other while paddling in the canoes?
· Why is it important to listen to grown-ups when we are on the water?
· What can we do to make sure we leave nature the same way we found it?
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