I did not know how much you could learn from being in the woods!
Year 3 pupils presented their assembly to Parents today and shared their experiences of team work, resilience and resourcefulness. Activities ranged from creating a waterproof shelter to starting a fire, and were linked to the year group topic 'The Battle of Britain.'
'My favourite part was working together as a team and being determined to get things done,' said Chase from Wales class.
For more details of their exciting exploits, read some of their blog extracts below.
Mead blog updates from Tendershoots Facebook page
23/06/16
Today was our final
session as a group. Much excitement was felt as the children eagerly asked if
we had been approved to have a fire. Cheers were heard as I revealed the answer
was YES! The main focus of our session was the fire however, some still further
developed the bug hotel and others were creative with Elder beads.
The children showed great
respect for the fire and their awareness of safety was really good. They have
come a long way since the first week. We shared stories of our favourite things
from Forest School and also our biggest challenges. It was fantastic to hear
the children encourage each other at the close of the session, here are a few
of their reflections. "You were a great friend." "You really
helped me build a shelter." "You were great at helping me move
pallets and working as a team." Marshmallows, hot chocolate and s'mores
were all a great hit!! A fantastic group of children who have all made great
steps forward. Thanks for journeying with me.
15/06/16
Today's session involved
heavy showers followed by sunshine and the children embraced it fully. As much
as adults are often hesitant of the rain the children generally just love it.
Squelching in mud, collecting water in cups, hunting for tracks in the mud were
all made far more fun by the rain! Many children worked consistently on
developing the bug hotel. Bedrooms and swimming pools were among the design
elements. The children gathered sticks, plants, old plant pots and converted
plastic bottles to create a luxury hotel for the bugs. They were particularly
pleased when it appeared that spiders, slugs and woodlice were already moving
in. Others sheltered from the rain under a tarp to create Elder puppets.
Persistence and determination were demonstrated as pushing the string through the
Elder beads often did not work first time. Some found this more frustrating
than others but all persisted and were really proud of what they had made. We
closed today by making a sundial from string and sticks and used this to
reflect upon our emotions throughout the sessions. I am pleased to say no one
wanted to go home and although they had found some areas more challenging than
others the overall consensus was one of enjoyment and fulfillment.
08/06/16
Everyone was pleased to be
back at Forest School today after the half term break. Teamwork skills were
further developed as the children moved several pallets to continue
constructing our bug hotel. Some pallets were heavier than others and
communication was key to ensure everyone stayed safe, especially manoeuvring
large objects. Different methods of movement were tried, some more successful
than others. During our reflection time at the end of the session the children
were able to encourage each other stating what positive observations they had made
about their peers. Reflecting on others in a positive way came naturally to
some and it was good to stretch the thinking of others who found this more
challenging. Everyone left the session excited about returning next week.
Our 'Battle of Britain'
challenge was undertaken buy 3 squadrons of soldiers with handmade 'dog tags'.
They proceeded to create waterproof bomb shelters using a range of resources
including tarps, rope and para cord. Some teams had a clear idea from the outset;
others tried ideas and had to rethink. Some faced challenges of listening to
each other and explaining their thoughts before putting them into action.
However, as the mission completion time arrived each squadron took cover in
their bomb shelter to see if it was waterproof!! Emotions ran high as each
group faced the watering can. Joy appeared across each face as they realised
their mission was successfully completed and they had stayed dry! Today saw
teamwork, teamwork and more teamwork. At times the teamwork worked smoothly and
other timed persistence was required but everyone left the session with an air
of achievement - and they all had fun!
18/05/16
The Great British summer
treated us to plenty of rain today! This provided some natural opportunities
for the children to experiment with water. Some were fascinated as the rain
gathered and then poured from a tarp in our base camp. Groups set out to
collect water discovering that shaking a tree was not as effective as they had
hoped! Others settled on securing a small tarp to gather water and then
transport it into containers. Great persistence was shown here as well as with
those who were creating dog tags. The wood split on several occasions but the
boys did not give up. A lovely afternoon, where preparation and the natural
inquisitive nature of children were combined.
11/05/16
It has been great to watch some of the quieter children grow in
confidence over the last few weeks. They are able to express and share their
thoughts with peers and adults. Yesterday the children undertook challenges to
build a shelter to protect themselves in the Battle of Britain. They then
advertised these to their peers using descriptive language to highlight the
strengths and possible improvements. Great teamwork skills were displayed.
04/05/16
Today we had Forest School with Year 3 boys. Most of the group
are settled now but a couple of new ones joined us today. The Battle of Britain
continues to inspire the imagination of the boys as they role-play situations.
The children are growing in confidence as they interact with new peers. Lots of
fun and interaction was demonstrated through the games. It was good to observe
the joy on the boy’s faces throughout the session. They were encouraged to give
consideration to one another needs and interests as well as their own.
27/04/16
Forest School session - Inspiration was drawn from the Battle of
Britain today and many imaginations were free flowing. Shelters were created
and included food supplies and musical entertainment areas. Shops were
established to create business in tough times. Bartering skills were used to
gain the materials required for the task in hand i.e. a roof. Weapons were
created as a means of protection whilst others tried to recreate the blackouts.
Still others experimented with shadows using torches or the sun and a sheet. An
active and packed time in the woods. The sun even shone when we expected rain!
20/04/16
A great forest schools session yesterday. We were fortunate to
hear a woodpecker as we approached the woodland today and tried to move quietly
and slowly in the hope of spotting it but were unsuccessful. Some of the
children were particularly intrigued by this and spent some significant time
following the sound. The children engaged confidently with the idea of how we
would survive in the woodland if we were there during the war. This linked with
their learning taking place inside the classroom. As I set them this challenge
the timing of a low flying plane reminded us of what it may have felt like to
look out for bombers! Children worked in pairs or groups to create shelter and
even started to set up small businesses (swapping wood with other groups to
support each other). Imaginations were really beginning to develop. Looking
forward to further developments next week.
14/04/16
Great to start with a new
Forest School group this week. The children showed increased confidence in
their new environment throughout the session. Much enjoyment was expressed in
the game, which encouraged social skills. As children were given the
opportunity to explore the site for the first time some demonstrated greater
confidence than others. All the children engaged well with each other at
different points throughout the session. It was fantastic to see the children's
imaginations begin to express themselves. 'Base camps' and 'islands' began to
be created. The children expressed consideration of each other's work by
sharing ideas, offering praise and asking questions to deepen their learning. A
great start, looking forward to all that will develop over this term.
