How Many Things Can You Do With A Stick?

I've blogged before about my determination to get the children out and about this summer. I want them to get fresh air, learn about nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However I admit to sometimes being slightly lacking in imagination for what to do so I was delighted to be sent a copy of The Stick Book - loads of things you can make or do with a stick. This inspiring read by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield shows us that we really don't have to spend our money on plastic toys or computer games - everything we need is available in our own back garden or in local parks or woods...and its FREE!


I first found out about Jo and Fiona when I went to a fantastic children's activity day run by them earlier this year. Together they run the company Going Wild which aims to inspire young people to get off the sofa and have real-life fun experiences. They believe that this hands on learning produces healthy, confident, well balanced adults with a greater respect and understanding of the natural world -  and I couldn't agree with them more.


The Stick Book is a beautifully designed book with stunning photography which would look as good on your coffee table as on your bookshelf. It’s easy to read and to share with your children with each page spread introducing a new project. The projects are also graded to show you if it’s something your child can do on their own, or if it needs adult supervision.  There are 70 projects in total so more than enough to see you through the summer holidays!


If you have children you know how much they love sticks. For our family a walk in the countryside isn’t complete without a good stick to hold and in the hands of a child a stick can be transformed into a sword, a magic wand or even a horse.  Jo and Fiona’s book shows us that there really is no end to the things that a stick can become. Younger children can have a go at making fun stick animals, willow wands and woody crowns and for the older children you can have adventures with your very own stick tent and you can learn how to make a campfire too! Even adults can get creative with sticks and I’m definitely going to make a stick wreath for Christmas this year.


But I haven’t just read the book; we’ve been busy putting it into action too. So far we have had great fun making a stick hobby horse and a stick kite that actually flew! The children were really excited and inspired by The Stick Book and can’t wait to try out some more projects. My daughter is looking forward to making a stick home for the fairies and my little boy is looking forward to getting messy and doing some stick drawing in the mud. We’ll definitely be turning off Cbeebies and going wild this summer!

                                                            Flying our stick kite!

This really is a fantastic book for parents of children of all ages and would be a lovely present for a child too. It would also be a brilliant resource for teachers or leaders of children’s groups such as Cubs or Brownies.

To find out more about Jo and Fiona's books and projects you can visit their website: www.goingwild.net

To purchase a copy of The Stick Book please visit their publishers site:
www.franceslincoln.com

Or follow them on Twitter @goingwildnet