Week 1 - A new year and a new group of Year 3 students ready to explore the forest. Today we were able to see the impact of yesterday’s storm and look at the roots of a fallen tree. Forest School names were chosen, including Rocco Racoon and Francesca Firefly. The children enjoyed making their own necklace with their name on it, threading the wool through a small hole and beginning to learn about knots. Lots of digging took place and many works were discovered and safely returned to their homes. We had a great afternoon.
Week 2 - Another fun filled afternoon in the woods. Learning to climb and balance in various ways in the trees. Finding interesting sticks that were made into antlers. Using a hammock, for many this was the first time and it was great watch their confidence grow as they took turns and leather by trying and watching each other. Setting up camp to include a den, fire pit area along with safety barriers to stop the fire spreading. Busy times!
Week 3 - Today Year 3 made quick work of some conifer branches I brought along to our session - perfect for den building! We made use of the fallen Elder tree and created some puppets, the children worked persistently to push the string through the beads and tied some brilliant knots. Others grew in confidence as they discovered worms and spiders allowing them to crawl on their bare hands.
Week 4 - Today was a packed full afternoon. We were so busy we almost forgot to come back in on time. We played ‘Bat and moth,’ went in the hammock, examines a bird’s nest and then made giant nests we could fit in. We made elder puppets, climbed trees and created stew in the mud kitchen. There was lots of collaboration and communication in various ways throughout the afternoon and the children worked supportively to tidy away at the end of the session.
