A Big Hooty Hello, my dear friends,
Hi, It’s Miss Honey & Miss Rosie Owl!
We are writing to you after another happy day at Laanecoorie Reservoir, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.
The day began with a bright blue sky and a soft breeze. We spent the morning swimming, playing games, and taking turns in the little boat.
In the afternoon we rested in the cool shade of the trees. Dragonflies zipped over the water like tiny helicopters, and the cicadas sang their sleepy summer song.
As the evening came, we chose a safe spot by the water for a campfire. Before we began Miss Honey reminded everyone about the fire safety rules. “Sit back so wings, feathers, and tails stay safe,” she said. We talked about how important it is to check that it's safe to light a campfire and make sure there are no fire restrictions in place. And of course, an adult is always the one in charge of the campfire. "Never leave the campfire unattended, even for a moment," Miss Rosie added. We all agreed that it was important to stay safe while having fun.
Then everyone helped collect twigs and branches, dug a little hole and made a circle of big rocks. Soon enough, warm golden flames danced in the centre of our circle, casting a soft glow over the group.
Miss Gala handed out marshmallows, and we all found a stick for roasting. Soon, the air was filled with the sweet smell of melting marshmallows. The children took turns holding their marshmallows over the campfire, watching them turn golden brown, and sometimes, just a little too crispy, which only made them even more delicious. Laughter filled the air as some marshmallows melted faster than expected and - Plop - fell into the campfire, while others were eaten with big, happy bites.
Once the marshmallows were gone, Miss Pelican strummed her little ukulele, and we all sang cheerful songs together. In the distance, we could hear the family of Kookaburras laughing from their campsite.
As the stars began to twinkle, we all sighed happily, knowing this night would become a memory cherished for many summers to come. Later, when the campfire had burned low and our hearts and bellies were full, we carefully covered the glowing embers with sand and water. Always remember to extinguish your campfire as embers can spread to the surrounding bush. Wishing one another goodnight, we wandered back to our campsite.
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. 🦉
Information for families:
This story models careful preparation and adult supervision during campfire-based activities. Children are reminded to stay back from flames, follow safety rules, and understand that adults are always responsible for lighting, managing, and putting out the campfire.
Taking turns, roasting marshmallows reinforces patience, self-control, and respect for peers, while celebrating successes together builds confidence and social-emotional skills.
The campfire experience encourages children to notice the natural world, reflect on their surroundings, and enjoy peaceful moments in nature—supporting wellbeing and curiosity.
Early Fire Safe Program | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Kids + Fire Safety: A Guide to Teaching Families the Fun Way - Scavenger Fire & Safety
Discussion Prompts (Preschool & Early Primary)
- “What did Miss Honey and Miss Rosie remind everyone to do before sitting near the campfire?”
- “Why is it important to have an adult in charge of the campfire?”
- “What can happen if we get too close to the flames?”
- “Why is it important to wait for your turn?”
- “What animals could we notice while sitting around the campfire?”
- “How did it feel to listen to the sounds of the bush and watch the stars?”
- ”Why is it important to extinguish your campfire?”
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