A Big Hooty Hello, my dear friends,
Hi, it’s Miss Honey & Miss Rosie Owl here again, writing to you after another splash-tastic day at beautiful Laanecoorie! Our feathers are still a little soggy and our wings are happily tired after such an adventurous day on the water.
We started bright and early and helped everyone climb aboard the speedboat. Little Wombat wobble-walked on with her life jacket on backwards (we fixed it!), Benny the Budgie flew overhead cheering everyone on, the Possum twins clung on tight with bright, excited eyes and Ollie the Otter slid aboard wearing his favourite hat.
Before heading off, Miss Honey reminded everyone about water safety. Life jackets on? Check! Listening ears open? Check! Then Miss Rosie helped show how to sit still in the boat (even when your tail really wants to swish like Ollie’s). We talked about taking turns, staying seated and always looking out for our friends.
Miss Rosie flapped with excitement as we learned special hand signals from the boat supervisor: slower, faster, all okay, and “time to head back to shore.” The possum twins practiced the signals again and again, giggling as they signalled slower, faster, slower, faster, slower to each other.
Then… ZOOM! Off we went across the lake! All of the animals had a turn, some tried skis, others tried wakeboards and some twirled around on the ski tube making the splashiest splashes we’ve ever seen. When it was Ollie the Otter’s turn, he held on tight, took a deep breath and popped right up like a pro! Everyone cheered and hooted as he glided across the water with a huge smile. Benny the Budgie looped happily overhead, and the Possum twins bounced with excitement in the boat.
We felt so proud watching everyone cheer each other on. There were high-fives, happy hoots, brave tries and lots of “You’ve got this!” echoing across the water. Miss Rosie’s heart felt extra full seeing such courage, kindness and teamwork.
After all the excitement, we rested together on the shore, sharing stories, snacks and smiles while the sun sparkled across the lake. Miss Honey says it’s one of those days we’ll remember forever… especially Ollie’s marvellous moment!
Until we write again,
Stay curious, have fun and be kind.
With a happy hoot,
💛 Miss Honey & Miss Rosie Owl
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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 the importance of life jackets, listening to adults, following safety instructions, and using hand signals for clear communication on the water. Children also learn to wait their turn and look out for friends, reinforcing supervision and group safety.
Children are encouraged to show courage, celebrate small successes, and support their friends. Families can continue these conversations at home by praising effort, teamwork, and bravery, as well as talking about trying new things safely.
While enjoying adventurous activities, children are reminded to respect the lake environment, animals, and fellow adventurers.
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Discussion Prompts (Preschool & Early Primary)
· “What did everyone wear before going on the boat to stay safe?”
· “Why is it important to listen to the grown-ups and follow the rules on the water?”
· “What hand signals did we learn to help us communicate on the boat?”
· “Why do you think they used hands signals?”
· “How did the children help each other while trying new activities?”
· “What does it feel like to try something new even if it seems tricky?”
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